Dubai is set to revolutionize urban transportation with the planned launch of an air taxi service in 2026, using Joby Aviation’s cutting-edge fully electric vehicles. This exciting development marks another significant step toward the city’s vision of becoming a global leader in smart mobility solutions.
Dubai’s air taxis operate from four ‘vertiports,’ carrying a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 320 km/h.
Joby Aviation, a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, announced its intention to soft-launch air taxi services in Dubai by early 2025. These air taxis are designed to carry a pilot and four passengers, reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h. This innovative mode of transport will drastically cut travel time, taking passengers from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah in just 10-12 minutes, compared to the usual 45 minutes by road.
The air taxi service will initially operate from four strategically located ‘vertiports’: Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Downtown, as outlined by Tyler Trerotola, General Manager for the Middle East at Joby Aviation. The first vertiport is scheduled to become operational in the first quarter of 2026, according to reports from the state-run Wam news agency, citing Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of the Transportation Systems Department at Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
To facilitate this ambitious project, Skyports Infrastructure, a UK-based vertiport infrastructure developer, has signed an agreement with RTA this year. This partnership aims to ensure the establishment of world-class vertiport facilities that will support the seamless operation of air taxis.
Additionally, Joby Aviation has been making significant strides in the UAE. In April, the company signed agreements with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport, Department of Economic Development, and Department of Culture and Tourism to establish and expand air taxi operations in the UAE capital. This move is part of a broader strategy to integrate advanced air mobility solutions across the region.
Joby Aviation has already achieved remarkable milestones on the global stage. Last November, the US-based company became the first to fly an electric air taxi in New York City, showcasing its technological prowess and commitment to sustainable urban transport solutions. To date, Joby Aviation has raised over $2 billion in funding, attracting investments from high-profile entities such as Toyota, Delta Air Lines, SK Telecom, Uber, and Baillie Gifford.
The introduction of air taxis in Dubai is poised to transform the city’s transportation landscape, providing residents and tourists with a fast, efficient, and eco-friendly travel option. As the 2026 launch date approaches, stakeholders are optimistic that this pioneering project will set a new benchmark for urban mobility, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a hub for innovation and futuristic transportation solutions.
