Dubai is set to welcome commercial electric air taxi operations this year, with US-based Joby Aviation leading the charge as the emirate accelerates its futuristic transport ambitions.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority said Joby completed the UAE’s first crewed electric vertical take-off and landing flight between two distinct points, according to a statement. Joby expects to ramp up flight test operations and begin carrying passengers in 2026, it said.
Supporting the rollout, UK-based Skyports Infrastructure has finished 60% of construction on the city’s first eVTOL vertiport, near Dubai International Airport. The RTA also plans three additional vertiports in collaboration with Emaar Properties, Atlantis The Royal, and Wasl Asset Management Group.
Dubai is simultaneously expanding autonomous transport. Last year, the emirate launched a pilot Robotaxi service on the Uber app with WeRide, aiming to deploy thousands of self-driving vehicles in the coming years, reinforcing its position as a regional hub for cutting-edge mobility.
📌 Why it matters: Dubai’s push into eVTOL and autonomous transport positions the city at the forefront of next-generation mobility, blending aviation, technology, and urban planning to enhance connectivity and tourism appeal.
📌 Bottom line: With air taxis taking flight and autonomous vehicles scaling up, Dubai is shaping itself as a global testbed for futuristic transport, signaling potential investment and tourism opportunities around its mobility ecosystem.
