By: Economy Middle east

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with Joby Aviation, a California-based enterprise specializing in electric air taxis for commercial passenger transport, has successfully conducted the first crewed electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aerial taxi flight between two unique locations in the UAE. The electric aerial taxi embarked on its journey from the Dubai Jetman Helipad in Margham, flying for 17 minutes to Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central), coinciding with the Dubai Airshow 2025. This landmark accomplishment makes Joby the first company globally to achieve a crewed electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft flight between two distinct sites within the UAE, accordin to a statement. 

Additionally, the RTA has reported that Skyports Infrastructure, a U.K.-based firm specializing in advanced aerial mobility infrastructure development, has completed 60 percent of the construction of the first vertical take-off and landing aerial taxi vertiport in the Emirate, located near Dubai International Airport (DXB). The construction has now reached the highest point of the vertiport, which marks a first of its kind worldwide.

The RTA has also entered into agreements with Emaar Properties, Atlantis The Royal, and Wasl Asset Management Group to create additional vertiports for aerial taxis within their real estate projects.

This achievement highlights Joby’s preparedness and capability to operate in shared airspace. Joby aims to increase flight test operations in Dubai and begin passenger services in 2026 in collaboration with the RTA, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS).

Dubai leads the way in smart mobility

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), stated that the successful completion of the first crewed flight of the electric aerial taxi signifies a new milestone in Dubai’s celebrated record of leadership and innovation. It embodies the visionary aspirations of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to position Dubai as the world’s best city in terms of quality of life, and the most prepared for the future of smart and sustainable mobility.

This initiative also aligns with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, to place Dubai at the forefront of global cities that invest in innovation and advanced technologies for the benefit of humanity.

Seamless multimodal travel options

Al Tayer remarked: “The successful completion by Joby Aviation of the first aerial taxi flight between two distinct locations underscores the success of RTA’s operational framework for developing Dubai’s aerial mobility ecosystem and its capability to operate within a shared airspace. This milestone paves the way for a new phase of integration among smart mobility systems across the emirate, further strengthening the confidence of global partners in Dubai’s regulatory and technological environment and establishing it as a leading global platform for future mobility trials.”

His Excellency further emphasized, “The significant progress made by Skyports Infrastructure Limited in establishing the Aerial Taxi Vertiport near Dubai International Airport, along with the agreements signed with three major entities in Dubai to create vertiports within their development projects, reinforces RTA’s efforts to expand the network of aerial taxi stations and vertiports across the Emirate. This will ensure the delivery of exceptional air mobility services to Dubai’s residents and visitors, while enhancing connectivity between key areas, business districts, and tourist attractions.”

Convenient and fast mode of transport

Al Tayer added: “This historic milestone stands as a testament to the efficiency of Dubai’s infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, and their readiness to embrace future technologies in aerial mobility, in close collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Dubai Air Navigation Services. It represents a significant advancement in the transition towards safer, more efficient, and more sustainable modes of transport, paving the way for the commercial launch of aerial taxi services in 2026. These services will provide a convenient and rapid mode of transport that enhances connectivity between major destinations across the emirate.

“RTA is steadily progressing towards the commercial launch of the aerial taxi service in 2026, solidifying Dubai’s reputation as the city of the future and a global hub for innovative and sustainable urban mobility solutions, integrating efficient infrastructure with a high quality of life.”

Enhancing connectivity through integrated transportation solutions
Al Tayer continued: “The aerial taxi will deliver a distinctive new service for residents and visitors of Dubai who seek a fast, safe, and convenient way to travel between key destinations across the city. The journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take approximately 10 minutes, compared to about 45 minutes by car. The service will also foster integration with various public transport modes and individual mobility options, such as electric scooters and bicycles, supporting seamless multimodal travel and enhancing citywide connectivity to provide a smooth and comfortable passenger experience.”

JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, stated: “From flight demonstrations to infrastructure, we’re making incredible progress on all fronts as we look ahead to launching commercial passenger service in Dubai next year. By collaborating with RTA, other government agencies, and infrastructure partners, we have accelerated the development of the world’s first air taxi service and are closer than ever to realizing urban air transport as an everyday reality for residents and visitors across the UAE.”

Advanced step

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports Infrastructure Limited, declared: “Vertiports are vital to the success of the advanced aerial mobility system. With this pivotal milestone achieved, we are witnessing a historic moment in the sector’s evolution as Dubai positions itself to become the first city in the world to transform advanced aerial mobility into a tangible reality. This will deliver a high-speed, zero-emission mode of transport that will revolutionize the movement of people within and beyond urban areas.”

Joby’s air taxi

Joby’s air taxi is equipped with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities. These sustainable, eco-friendly vehicles run on electric power, emitting no harmful emissions during operation. The taxi provides reliability, comfort, and speed, integrating the latest technological advancements globally. It features six rotors and four battery packs, enabling a range of up to 160 kilometers, with a maximum speed of 320 kilometers per hour. The aerial taxi can accommodate four passengers and the pilot, operating at a noise level significantly lower than traditional helicopters. Designed for urban settings, the vehicle’s vertical take-off and landing feature negates the need for horizontal space at stations.

Ongoing trials

Joby Aviation further continues to advance its flight test program and operational activities through a regular schedule of trials and public demonstrations. In June, the company completed a series of crewed electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aerial taxi test flights in Margham. The performance of the aerial taxi was validated under local environmental conditions, in collaboration with the RTA, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS).

Vertiport specifications

Furthermore, Skyports Infrastructure, a U.K.-based company specializing in advanced aerial mobility infrastructure, is constructing the vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vertiports for aerial taxis. The primary vertiport, located near Dubai International Airport, covers 3,100 square meters across four floors. It consists of two levels designated for vehicle parking, take-off and landing pads, areas for aerial taxi parking and charging, along with fully air-conditioned passenger facilities. The vertiport is expected to handle approximately 42,000 aerial taxi landings annually, serving around 170,000 passengers.

Also, the vertiports and take-off pads are designed to meet the highest international safety standards. The vehicles will collaborate with Joby Aviation, the designer of the electric aerial taxi, while Skyports Infrastructure manages the vertiport design, construction, and operations. RTA will oversee the governance of the operation, ensuring integration with other transport modes. According to the timeline, the aerial taxi service is slated to launch in 2026.

Vertiport agreements

Through agreements with Emaar Properties, Atlantis The Royal, and Wasl Asset Management Group, additional vertiports are further set to be developed to support the aerial taxi service. These expansions will bring the total number of planned vertiports for 2026 to four, including the one located near Dubai International Airport. Collectively, these vertiports will create the foundation for the initial route network for the electric aerial taxi service.

A vertiport will be situated at the Zabeel Dubai Mall parking area, operated by Emaar Properties, the world’s leading shopping and entertainment destination, which attracted nearly 111 million visitors in 2024, thanks to its iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa. Another vertiport will be constructed on Palm Jumeirah within the Atlantis The Royal hotel, a globally renowned resort and one of the most notable hotel landmarks. Its prime location on Palm Island allows direct access to Palm Jumeirah’s premier beachfront areas, in addition to restaurants and entertainment venues.

The third vertiport will be developed at Dubai Marina, within the American University in Dubai parking area, managed by Wasl Asset Management Group. This vertiport will be strategically situated to connect the vibrant residential and entertainment hub of Dubai Marina with the leading business and technology districts of Dubai Internet City, ensuring seamless access for  both residents and visitors between these key areas.

Aerial taxi operating agreement

At the beginning of 2024, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) entered into an agreement to launch the aerial taxi service in conjunction with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Skyports Infrastructure Limited and Joby Aviation. This agreement establishes Dubai as the first city globally to offer urban aerial transport through a state-of-the-art network of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aerial taxis.