Dubai has taken a major leap toward future mobility with the successful test flight of the region’s first aerial taxi, conducted by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in collaboration with US-based Joby Aviation.
The test, held at a dedicated desert site, marks a pivotal milestone in Dubai’s strategy to integrate electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into its public transport network. The flight was witnessed by key government officials, including H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who called the achievement a reflection of Dubai’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The Joby Aerial Taxi is a fully electric aircraft designed to carry four passengers and a pilot. With a top speed of 320 km/h and a range of 160 km, it promises to cut travel times drastically — a trip from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah, for example, would take just 12 minutes.
The trial flight is part of ongoing daily testing ahead of commercial launch, with the first station set to open near Dubai International Airport in 2026. The project includes vertiports, smart charging systems, and integration with other modes of transport to support seamless urban mobility.
The RTA’s partnership with Joby and other global players positions Dubai as the first city worldwide to offer aerial taxis through a dedicated VTOL infrastructure network.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
