Dubai Unveils Aerial Taxi Prototype at Museum of the Future

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Dubai’s Museum of the Future, in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has unveiled the prototype of the aerial taxi developed by Joby Aviation. The exhibit, located on the museum’s Tomorrow, Today floor, highlights Dubai’s commitment to smart and sustainable transportation, aligning with the Dubai Self-Driving Strategy. This initiative plays a central role in the city’s goal to achieve 25% self-driving trips by 2030, marking a significant step toward reducing carbon emissions and supporting global sustainability efforts.

Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, expressed pride in showcasing the aerial taxi prototype, emphasizing Dubai’s ambition to redefine urban mobility. The aerial taxi service is set to become a reality in the first quarter of 2026, positioning Dubai as the first city in the world to launch this groundbreaking transportation service. The vehicle’s vertical take-off and landing capabilities, along with its adherence to strict safety standards, ensure a secure and efficient travel experience for passengers.

Majed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the Museum of the Future, highlighted the museum’s role in promoting innovation and sustainability. The partnership between the RTA and the museum underscores Dubai’s leadership in shaping the future of transportation, offering a glimpse into the next generation of urban mobility. The aerial taxi project aims to make travel faster, safer, and more sustainable, in line with Dubai’s broader vision for the future.

The Joby S4 aerial taxi stands at the forefront of electric aviation technology. Powered by clean electricity, it produces zero harmful emissions, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional air travel. With a design featuring six rotors and four battery packs, the vehicle can carry four passengers and a pilot, with a range of up to 161 kilometers and a top speed of 322 km/h. The aerial taxi provides a quieter alternative to helicopters, and its vertical take-off and landing capabilities allow it to access locations not served by conventional aircraft.

Initial routes for the aerial taxi will connect key Dubai locations, including Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. A trip from the airport to Palm Jumeirah, for example, will take just 12 minutes, compared to 45 minutes by car. The service will also integrate with other public transportation systems, such as e-scooters and bicycles, providing a seamless, multimodal travel experience for residents and visitors.

To support the aerial taxi service, a state-of-the-art vertiport will be built, with the capacity to handle 42,000 landings annually and serve around 170,000 passengers. The vertiport will meet the highest safety standards and will be developed in partnership with international operators. Joby Aviation will oversee vehicle operations and passenger logistics, while Skyports Infrastructure will design and manage the vertiport station. The aerial taxi service is an essential part of Dubai’s Self-Driving Strategy, complementing other key modes of transportation like the metro, buses, and taxis. This initiative builds on agreements between the RTA, Joby Aviation, and Skyports Infrastructure, positioning Dubai as the world’s first city to introduce a fully integrated urban air transport system. The aerial taxi prototype at the Museum of the Future offers a glimpse into the future of clean, efficient, and sustainable air travel in Dubai.