Dubai Prepares for Aerial Taxi Launch by 2026

Dubai is poised to become the world’s first city with a city-wide electric aerial taxi service and vertiport network, as witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The signing ceremony, held ahead of the World Governments Summit (WGS), marked a groundbreaking agreement between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Joby Aviation, and Skyports Infrastructure.

The initiative, a collaboration between the government, aircraft manufacturer Joby Aviation, and vertiport infrastructure provider Skyports, aims to launch commercial aerial taxi services by 2026. The Joby Aviation S4 Aerial taxi, designed for four passengers and a pilot, is expected to operate at a top speed of 321 km per hour and cover a maximum distance of 161 km. It boasts vertical take-off and landing capabilities and is set to revolutionize urban mobility in Dubai.

The comprehensive agreement, a global first, establishes a partnership between the governmental body (RTA), the aircraft manufacturer and operator (Joby), and the vertiport owner and operator (Skyports). Under this collaboration, RTA will oversee advanced air mobility services, with Joby providing aerial ridesharing services and Skyports granted exclusive rights to design, construct, and operate a network of vertiports.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the GCAA, highlighted the UAE’s commitment to continuous development in the air transport sector. The GCAA, in cooperation with its partners, has laid the foundation for the future infrastructure of the air transport system in urban areas, issuing regulations for air taxis and vertical ports, setting a global precedent.

The initial phase of the aerial taxi service will launch at prime locations near Dubai International Airport, the Downtown area, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. These vertiports will feature innovative designs, dedicated spaces for passengers, security checks, and integration with public transport systems, creating a seamless multimodal transportation experience.

The venture aligns with Dubai’s commitment to embracing future transportation technologies, offering residents and visitors a fast, safe, and convenient travel option. The aerial taxi service is expected to significantly reduce travel times, with a flight from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah estimated to take just 10 minutes, compared to 45 minutes by car.

The signing ceremony marks a major step towards the realization of commercial aerial taxi services in Dubai, combining innovative local leadership, a world-leading aircraft partner, and critical ground infrastructure integrated with the existing transportation networks. The strategic placement of vertiports across key locations in Dubai aims to enhance connectivity and provide a faster travel option for residents and visitors.