Dubai prepares for a transport revolution: the first air taxis by 2026
UAE authorities continue to integrate cutting-edge technologies into urban infrastructure. Recently, the first test flight of an electric air taxi from Joby Aviation was successfully completed in Dubai; the air taxi is set to become part of the city’s new transportation system. The project is being implemented with the active support of local authorities and aims to significantly speed up travel throughout the metropolis and reduce traffic on the roads.
Joby Aviation CEO Anthony Khuri noted that their goal is to offer city residents an eco-friendly and convenient alternative to private cars. The vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft can travel up to 160 km without recharging and reach speeds of up to 320 km/h. In addition, the air taxis will be able to operate autonomously, which will improve safety and optimize traffic flow over the city.
Back in early 2024, Joby Aviation signed an exclusive six-year agreement with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority. This contract grants the company the exclusive right to launch and operate an air taxi service in Dubai through 2030. In the initial phase, the company plans to put four air taxis into service, which will shuttle between key destinations: Dubai International Airport, the famous Palm Jumeirah, the city’s business district, and the upscale Dubai Marina neighborhood.
According to the company’s estimates, the flight from the airport to Palm Jumeirah will take only about 20 minutes—more than twice as fast as a car trip during rush hour. This mode of transportation could become an attractive solution for business travelers and, in the long term, could radically transform urban mobility in megacities with heavy traffic.
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Joby Aviation CEO Anthony Khuri noted that their goal is to offer city residents an eco-friendly and convenient alternative to private cars. The vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft can travel up to 160 km without recharging and reach speeds of up to 320 km/h. In addition, the air taxis will be able to operate autonomously, which will improve safety and optimize traffic flow over the city.
Back in early 2024, Joby Aviation signed an exclusive six-year agreement with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority. This contract grants the company the exclusive right to launch and operate an air taxi service in Dubai through 2030. In the initial phase, the company plans to put four air taxis into service, which will shuttle between key destinations: Dubai International Airport, the famous Palm Jumeirah, the city’s business district, and the upscale Dubai Marina neighborhood.
According to the company’s estimates, the flight from the airport to Palm Jumeirah will take only about 20 minutes—more than twice as fast as a car trip during rush hour. This mode of transportation could become an attractive solution for business travelers and, in the long term, could radically transform urban mobility in megacities with heavy traffic.
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