With the commencement of operational trials for air taxi services in Dubai in 2025, paving the way for commercial launch in 2026, the UAE will become a global leader in the use of smart and sustainable vehicles across various modes of land, sea, and air transportation.
The talk of this achievement, once considered close to fiction, has become a reality after the “World Government Summit 2024” witnessed the signing of an agreement by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai for the launch of air taxi services in Dubai by 2026. The agreement involves collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), the British company Skyports Infrastructure for advanced air transport infrastructure development, and Joby Aviation, an American company specializing in air taxi development. Dubai is set to become the world’s first city to offer commercial electric air taxi services in urban areas through a sophisticated network of vertical take-off and landing infrastructure.
The air taxi, named “Joby S4,” will accommodate four passengers in addition to the pilot, boasting high safety standards thanks to its design featuring 6 rotors and 4 battery packs, providing a range of 161 kilometers at speeds up to 321 kilometers per hour.
The air taxi stands out for its low noise levels compared to helicopters and its ability to efficiently fly in urban areas, utilizing vertical take-off and landing capabilities, saving on the required horizontal space for stations.
Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai International Airport are the four locations that residents and visitors in Dubai will initially need to head to in the first phase of the project to enjoy this unique service in terms of fun, safety, and speed. For example, the journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take about 10 minutes, compared to approximately 45 minutes by car.
In the maritime transport sector, Dubai saw the experimental operation of the first locally manufactured self-driving electric abra in May last year. The design of the abra pays attention to preserving the traditional identity of these water taxis.