Dubai's aerial taxi services: RTA tests region's first flight
In a landmark step toward the future of urban air mobility, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with US-based
Read-
The trial flight featured Joby Aviation's all-electric aircraft, which is capable of vertical take-off and landing, enabling it to operate in densely populated urban areas with minimal spatial requirements. The aerial taxi is powered by electricity, generates zero operating emissions, and has been engineered to operate at significantly lower noise levels than traditional helicopters,
The test flight was attended by prominent UAE officials, including Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.
'Dubai continues to lead the way in shaping the future of mobility, guided by the strategic vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,' said Sheikh Hamdan. 'This achievement reflects our commitment to placing the UAE at the forefront of transformative technologies that drive global progress. It also underscores our determination to turn breakthrough innovations into practical solutions that improve quality of life.'
Urban
air
travel
set to
transform
mobility
The Joby Aerial Taxi is designed to accommodate one pilot and four passengers, with a flight range of up to 160 kilometers and a top speed of 320 kilometers per hour. The aircraft's VTOL design uses six rotors and four battery packs, enabling it to take off and land vertically from specially designed vertiports.
The successful test was part of a series of ongoing flight evaluations intended to assess the aircraft's performance in Dubai's unique climate and urban conditions. The trials are an early step toward a broader commercial rollout, which is set to begin in 2026 with the inauguration of the first Aerial Taxi station near Dubai International Airport.
The ultimate goal is to offer a premium and efficient alternative to ground transportation. A trip from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah, for instance, is expected to take just 10 to 12 minutes by aerial taxi, compared to roughly 45 minutes by car.
The demonstration was attended by senior figures in Dubai's aviation and transport sectors, including Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA; Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA); and executives from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Dubai Air Navigation Services.
Commenting on the achievement, Mattar Al Tayer said the aerial taxi's introduction is a natural progression in the city's embrace of smart and sustainable mobility. 'The test flight reflects the leadership's vision for a sustainable and technologically advanced public transport system,' Al Tayer said. 'It also aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the UAE's broader vision for sustainable development.'
Infrastructure
development
underway for 2026
launch
In collaboration with Shamal Holding, RTA has already begun developing the infrastructure to support aerial taxi services. This includes a dedicated vertiport, a hangar equipped with real-time flight tracking systems, and cutting-edge electric charging facilities. These installations are integral to ensuring the smooth and safe operation of eVTOL aircraft across the city.
JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, and Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA's Public Transport Agency, briefed officials on the project's roadmap. According to the timeline, Dubai's first commercial aerial taxi service will begin operations in 2026, with routes designed to serve key destinations and integrate with the broader public transport network.
'Dubai serves as a launchpad for a global revolution in mobility,' said Bevirt. 'Flying our aircraft here represents a pivotal step toward integrating aerial taxis into the daily lives of people around the world. Our strategic partnership with RTA enables us to help shape a future where clean and quiet aviation becomes the new standard.'
Bevirt highlighted the efficiency of the aircraft, noting that it can reduce travel times dramatically while offering a quieter, safer, and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional helicopters.
He emphasized the significance of the partnership with Dubai in showcasing American aerospace innovation on a global stage. 'This achievement is the result of two years of close collaboration,' he added. 'It underscores Joby's leadership in the field and reaffirms the UAE's position as a pioneer in adopting next-generation air mobility technologies.'
Building on
years of
research and
global
testing
Joby's readiness to initiate testing in Dubai follows more than 15 years of research and development. The company has logged over 40,000 miles of flight testing and completed numerous successful piloted transition flights. Much of the recent testing has been carried out under extreme weather conditions at Edwards Air Force Base in the U.S., ensuring that the aircraft is fully prepared for the heat and humidity of the Gulf region.
Earlier this year, Dubai's RTA signed a multi-party agreement to bring aerial taxi services to the city. The deal includes partners such as the GCAA, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Skyports Infrastructure—a UK-based firm specializing in vertiport development. The agreement makes Dubai the first city in the world to plan a fully integrated eVTOL service with operational infrastructure tailored for urban air mobility.
According to RTA, the aerial taxi service will complement existing transportation options and promote seamless multimodal mobility across Dubai. This includes integration with the metro, buses, e-scooters, and bicycles—helping to create a cohesive and future-proof transport ecosystem.
Looking ahead, Joby Aviation intends to expand its footprint across the UAE and the wider region. The company sees Dubai as a strategic launch point for the broader Middle East and envisions aerial transport as a key part of the region's smart city evolution.
'Dubai is a model for transportation innovation,' Bevirt said. 'With a highly developed metro, a world-class road network, and now the first aerial taxi system in the region, the city is setting a global benchmark for urban mobility.'
New era of urban mobility on display
The Museum of the Future, in collaboration with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has unveiled
Exhibited on the museum's 'Tomorrow, Today' floor, the aerial taxi prototype reinforces Dubai's commitment to its Self-Driving Transport Strategy, aiming for 25% of all trips to be autonomous by 2030.
A greener way to travel
The electric aerial taxi, developed by California-based Joby Aviation, showcases zero-emissions technology that aligns with global sustainability goals. Its vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) design and advanced safety features make it a compelling alternative to traditional transport.
'We are honoured to showcase the aerial taxi model at the Museum of the Future, which underscores Dubai's ambition and forward-thinking approach to redefining mobility,' said Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems at RTA. 'Dubai is set to become the first city in the world to launch an aerial taxi project, with services expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.'
Look inside the Joby S4
The aircraft features six rotors, four battery packs, and seats for four passengers plus a pilot. It can reach speeds of up to 322 km/h and has a range of 161 km. Notably quieter than helicopters, the vehicle offers a faster and more comfortable experience.
Initial routes will connect key locations across the city, including Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. A typical flight from the airport to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take just 12 minutes, compared to 45 minutes by car.
Smart infrastructure and vertiport development
The vertiport infrastructure, which will support around 42,000 landings annually and accommodate 170,000 passengers, will feature state-of-the-art facilities and meet international safety standards.
Vehicle operations and passenger logistics will be handled by Joby Aviation, while Skyports Infrastructure will manage the design, construction, and operations of the vertiports. RTA will oversee the integration of aerial taxis into Dubai's broader transport network.
Royal approval for vertiport construction
In November 2024, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, officially approved construction of the c
The vertiport will cover 3,100 square metres and include zones for take-off and landing, charging stations, an apron, and parking. Air-conditioned facilities will enhance passenger comfort while adhering to stringent safety protocols.
Agreements and operational timeline
The initiative follows a 2024 agreement signed between RTA, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Skyports Infrastructure, and Joby Aviation to bring aerial mobility to the emirate.
J
Dubai's leap into the future
'The Museum of the Future has become home to the aerial taxi prototype, reflecting Dubai's pioneering leadership in shaping the future of transportation,' said Majed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the museum. 'Our partnership with the RTA underscores the museum's mission to inspire groundbreaking ideas and foster a culture of innovation.'
Joby's entry into the UAE market positions Dubai as a global leader in urban aerial mobility, with plans to expand services across the country and the wider region.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
37 minutes ago
- Al Etihad
Meet the Emirati teen prodigy making a difference as inventor, voice of youth
2 July 2025 00:59 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)Ali Humaid Alloghani has shown the instincts of an innovator from an early age. Always wondering about how things worked and ways to make them better, he did what many kids were warned not to do: he took his toys eight years old, he put together some recycled toy parts and built a moving robot that lit up. Now 14, Alloghani is an established inventor and parliamentarian, channelling his curiosity to design solutions that seek to improve lives, in addition to amplifying the voices of Emirati youth. 'That project gave me my first hands-on experience of how creativity and innovation can turn ideas into real solutions,' he told Aletihad in a recent interview. 'It ignited my passion for using invention as a way to solve problems and help others.' One invention he is especially proud of is the 'Smart Wheelchair Glove', which allows individuals with limited mobility to control their wheelchairs through simple hand gestures. 'I want to use technology to make the world more inclusive and supportive for everyone,' the young Emirati told Aletihad. 'This invention is designed to empower people with disabilities by giving them greater independence and safety, helping them move more freely and confidently in their daily lives.' A True Voice for the Youth As a member of the UAE Children's Parliament, Alloghani feels a deep sense of responsibility that influences his work as an inventor.'It motivates me to create meaningful inventions that can improve education, enhance safety, and promote inclusion for everyone in our community,' he explained.'Through my role, I am inspired to look closely at the challenges our society faces and develop creative solutions that can make a real, positive difference in people's lives.'His main responsibilities at the Children's Parliament include being a true voice for the hopes and needs of children nationwide. He gathers their views directly from schools and communities then conveys them to decision-makers through clear and practical proposals.'I work hand in hand with my fellow parliament members to research issues such as education, health, and the environment, and we submit our recommendations to the relevant authorities to ensure that children's perspectives are an essential part of national policies. This helps build a nation that meets our ambitions and reflects our aspirations for a better future,' Alloghani said. Big Dreams He credits much of his progress to the unwavering support of his family, school, and the government. 'My family has always believed in me and supported my ideas, even when they seemed unusual. They invested in the tools, courses, and opportunities I needed to learn and grow. My school encouraged me by giving me a platform to showcase my projects and recognised my efforts, which motivated me to keep innovating,' Alloghani said. 'The UAE Government's programmes for youth innovation have provided invaluable resources, mentorship, and inspiration, showing me that my country believes in the potential of young people to shape the future.'Through curiosity, grit, and innovation, he aims to help tackle pressing global challenges and advance humanitarian efforts. 'I hope to develop creative solutions to environmental challenges, such as reducing waste, encouraging the use of clean energy, and conserving water resources. I also aim to design technologies that improve the lives of people with disabilities or special needs, ensuring they can live with greater ease and independence.' Empowering Young Emiratis Looking ahead, Alloghani dreams of becoming an ambassador for artificial intelligence and an aerospace engineer who will proudly represent the UAE on the global stage. 'At the same time, I hope to continue serving as a voice for children, making sure that their hopes and perspectives shape a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone,' he noted. To other young Emiratis interested in science, technology, or civic engagement, Alloghani said: 'Believe in your ideas, and don't be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes; that's how you learn, grow, and make a meaningful difference.'
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
'Enough space' on Yas Island for one new attraction a year
Yas Waterworld has unveiled its largest upgrade since opening more than a decade ago, adding more than 20 attractions and an indoor dining restaurant across 13,445 square metres in phase two of its development. Mohamed Al Zaabi, group chief executive of Miral, says the team are 'proud and excited' about the expansion. 'It's designed for and caters to all family members. We'd love to see a dad with his son racing each other and playing and enjoying their time here,' he tells The National. The waterpark remains popular among both tourists and residents, with Al Zaabi pointing to a spike in summer visitation that reflects Yas Island's overall growth in recent years. In 2024, the destination recorded more than 38 million visits – a 10 per cent annual increase, and a 20 per cent rise in theme park attendance. The top three visitor markets to Yas Waterworld during this period were Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with travellers also coming from India, China, the UK and Germany. Although the UAE isn't traditionally seen as a peak travel destination in summer – with many families heading abroad during the hotter months – the numbers suggest that trend may be shifting. This is not the first time Miral has launched a major theme park during the summer: Warner Bros World in July 2018, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi in May 2023 and now the Yas Waterworld expansion. Originally opened in 2013, the waterpark pays tribute to Emirati culture and heritage. Its theme is based on The Legend of the Lost Pearl, an original story about a young Emirati girl searching for a mythical pearl that once brought prosperity to her village. The latest phase continues this narrative with a 'lost city' setting, brought to life through rides such as Bahamut Rage, a log flume ride with a 15-metre drop, and Al Daloob, the region's first barrel twist raft ride designed for three people. 'We want people, when they come to UAE, to see the flavour of our culture, of our heritage. Here in Yas Island, we have done this at Yas Waterworld and SeaWorld, wherever we can,' says Al Zaabi. The road to opening hasn't been without setbacks. A major fire broke out at the park in March, raising concerns about whether the new area would be completed on time. 'It was an unfortunate incident. I'm very glad there were no injuries,' says Al Zaabi. 'We give credit to emergency services here in Abu Dhabi, who acted very fast to control it, and to the health and safety team at Miral. With all that, yet we open on time.' The expansion marks another step in Yas Island's aim to become a go-to spot for leisure and family fun. Each new feature adds to its variety, drawing in more visitors. 'We have very clear strategy: to build Yas Island as one of the top family entertainment destinations in the world where people come to enjoy different experiences,' says Al Zaabi. The announcement of Disneyland Abu Dhabi is a prime example of this vision. The landmark project signals a new era for not just for the UAE capital, but also the wider region's theme park and tourism industry. 'We're very, very proud of this achievement. It's a reflection of how successful Abu Dhabi is to attract an international [entertainment resort] like Disney,' says Al Zaabi. 'Disney has been looking to expand and open a new theme park in this region and Abu Dhabi successfully managed to be selected.' He adds that there aren't many places in the world that offer multiple international theme parks all within a five-minute drive of each other, along with hotels for all budgets. And the work isn't done yet. As part of a long-term strategy, Miral has set out a 10-year plan to try and add at least one new attraction to Yas Island every year. The aim is to ensure that returning visitors always have something fresh to discover. While many are eagerly awaiting updates on Disneyland Abu Dhabi, Al Zaabi says Miral and Disney are still in the design and development phase. With further developments on the horizon, a natural question is whether there will be enough space for it in the coming years. 'Yes, there is enough space. We have a land bank,' says Al Zaabi, referring to undeveloped land set aside for future use. Lightshow announces launch of Disneyland Abu Dhabi – video While he acknowledges the significance of adding Disney to the portfolio, Al Zaabi says Yas Island has built its reputation through the steady rollout of theme parks, attractions and leisure offerings over the past decade. The partnership, he says, reflects years of strategic development aimed at putting Yas Island on the global map. Al Zaabi adds: 'Closing that deal is just a reflection of Abu Dhabi's success to be a tourism international hub and, of course, Yas Island's vision over the last 16 years of building such a destination.'
Arabian Business
3 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Kuwait introduces tax rules, expects $820m in revenue
The Kuwait Ministry of Finance has issued a landmark decree introducing executive regulations for taxing multinational enterprise (MNE) groups — marking a major step in the country's economic reform agenda and commitment to diversifying income beyond oil revenues. The decree (No. 55 of 2025) implements Law No. 157 of 2024, which brings Kuwait in line with the OECD's Pillar Two global minimum tax framework through the introduction of a Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (DMTT). According to the Ministry, the new regulation clarifies legal provisions, outlines implementation mechanisms, and enhances transparency in accordance with international best practices. New Kuwait tax rules The Ministry said the move aligns with Kuwait Vision 2035, which aims to build a more diversified and resilient economy. Finance Minister and Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs, Eng. Nora AlFusam, said the regulation is pivotal for creating a fair investment environment and enhancing tax justice. She added that expected annual revenues from the tax could reach around KD250m ($820m), helping build a resilient and sustainable economy. The Ministry of Finance will organise a series of awareness workshops to help explain the new tax law and its executive regulations to relevant stakeholders, ensuring smooth implementation and full compliance. The tax applies specifically to large multinational groups operating in Kuwait, in accordance with global tax fairness principles outlined by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
