Flying Taxis in Dubai: They’ll Be Here Sooner Than You Think
In two years you could be flying above the city’s beautiful skyline instead of commuting via automobile
Dubai is the perfect home for a variety of people, but perhaps the most common grievance among both residents and locals is the inescapable traffic faced every day. Luckily, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has taken notice, announcing yesterday that starting in 2026 the city will implement aerial taxis.
Here’s everything Bazaar Arabia knows about the project so far.
Flying Taxis in Dubai: They’re Coming in 2026
Announced during the World Governments Summit held in Dubai on Sunday, February 11, the aerial taxi certainly has residents excited. And can you blame them?
The aircraft, created in partnership between Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, aerospace organisation Joby Aviation, and vertiport provider Skyports Infrastructure, is expected to cut the trip from Palm Jumeirah to the Dubai International Airport to just 10 minutes instead of the regular 45-minute journey by car.
“The aerial taxi service offers a novel and efficient mobility option for Dubai’s residents and visitors, enabling fast, safe, and convenient travel to key city spots,” shared Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA.
These places include Dubai International Airport, the Downtown area, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah.
During the summit, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also approved the taxis’ vertiport, choosing a location near Dubai International Airport that will allow seamless integration with other modes of mass transportation, connecting the taxi with the Emirates Metro station.
The aerial taxi can travel at a top speed of 300 kilometers per hour and can accommodate four passengers along with a driver. Keeping sustainability in mind, the aircraft will also have minimal emissions and can charge in 10 minutes.
Duncan Walker, Founder and CEO of the Skyports, shared, “This agreement brings together the key enablers of advanced air mobility: strong, innovative local leadership; a world-leading aircraft partner; and critical ground infrastructure integrated with the emirate’s existing transportation networks. The strategic positioning of our vertiports in key locations across Dubai will enhance connectivity and provide a faster travel option for residents and visitors. With the Definitive Agreement signed, now begins the exciting part: designing and building our vertiports.”
It’s safe to say that we too cannot wait for the aerial taxi launch in two years!
Lead image courtesy of Instagram/JobyAviation