UAE Sets Blueprint for Air Taxis and Drones in Urban Mobility

This innovative initiative marks a major leap in the nation’s mission to lead the future of mobility. A strategic partnership between the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC)—along with the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and ASPIRE—positions the UAE at the forefront of transforming urban transportation.

Scheduled to finalize aerial corridors and regulations within the next 20 months, the initiative is set to ease congestion and establish the UAE as a global leader in sustainable, advanced transportation solutions. The new routes will connect key international airports and iconic locations across the UAE, ensuring seamless integration of both piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones into the nation’s urban landscapes.

His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “Air corridor mapping for piloted and autonomous air taxis and drones is a crucial milestone that will enable the seamless implementation of Advanced Air Mobility into the UAE’s infrastructure. This initiative ensures the safe and efficient adoption of air mobility, delivering transformative solutions to urban transport and paving the way for a smarter, more connected future.”

TII’s airspace management expertise will play a key role in ensuring the safe integration of air taxis and cargo drones into urban environments. These new corridors will provide innovative solutions to alleviate pressure on traditional road networks while enhancing connectivity.

Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said, “This transformative collaboration with GCAA is reshaping the future of urban transportation. By advancing airspace management and integrating piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones, we are enhancing urban connectivity and driving sustainable, accessible mobility solutions for future generations.”

Stephane Timpano of ASPIRE highlighted the economic and infrastructure benefits, stating, “Addressing real-time urban mobility challenges with air taxis and drones is a major step forward. This initiative supports sustainable economic growth by creating a flexible, diverse transport system that eases pressure on urban infrastructure and fosters smarter, more resilient cities.”

The announcement was made during the World Governments Summit 2025.

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) refers to the use of automated aircraft in urban and suburban environments to deliver innovative transportation solutions for people and goods. With TII leading the development of AAM’s technical aspects and ASPIRE focusing on stakeholder engagement, including regulators, industry leaders, and researchers, this partnership aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework ensuring safety and operational efficiency.

Prof. Enrico Natalizio, Chief Researcher at TII’s Autonomous Robotics Research Center, added, “At TII, we’re developing advanced AI-powered control, vision, and communication algorithms for autonomous systems that enable real-time decision-making for air taxis and drones. With this technology, we can propose methodologies for AAM corridor design, optimizing routes, ensuring collision avoidance, and seamlessly integrating with urban airspace—crucial steps for safe and efficient autonomous air mobility.”

Together with GCAA, these entities are set to define airspace regulations and create airspace management systems, positioning the UAE as a global benchmark for advanced urban mobility.