Dubai is taking a major step toward the future of urban mobility with the unveiling of an aerial taxi prototype at the Museum of the Future's 'Tomorrow Today' floor, in partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Developed by Joby Aviation, this futuristic transport system is set to make Dubai the first city in the world to launch flying taxis by 2026.
Revolutionising Transport With Zero-Emission Air Mobility
The electric aerial taxi is designed for vertical take-off and landing, making it a quiet, efficient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional modes of aerial transport. With six rotors, four battery packs, and space for four passengers plus a pilot, it can cover 161km at speeds of up to 322kph—all with zero emissions, aligning with Dubai’s sustainability goals.
Cutting Travel Time Significantly
One of the biggest advantages of Dubai’s aerial taxi is its ability to drastically reduce travel time.
- A journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah will take just 12 minutes, compared to 45 minutes by car.
- Initial routes will connect Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, ensuring efficient city-wide access.
State-Of-The-Art Vertiport Infrastructure
To support this next-generation transport system, Dubai will build a high-tech vertiport capable of handling 42,000 landings annually and serving 170,000 passengers. This facility, developed in collaboration with Skyports Infrastructure and Joby Aviation, will seamlessly integrate with Dubai’s existing transport network.
A Vision For The Future
Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, assured that the aerial taxi meets the highest safety and security standards.
Meanwhile, Anthony Khoury, UAE General Manager of Joby Aviation, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating: “We plan to deliver an incredible experience for residents and visitors to Dubai, and we’re excited to invite people into the conversation about what the future of clean, quiet and efficient air travel will look like when we launch our service.”
With the aerial taxi service set to launch in 2026, Dubai is once again leading the way in smart, sustainable and futuristic transportation.