Dubai has taken a major step toward revolutionizing urban transportation with the unveiling of its first aerial taxi prototype. The event took place at the Museum of the Future, showcasing the city’s commitment to smart and sustainable mobility. The aerial taxi, developed by Joby Aviation, is part of a collaboration between the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the museum.
The project aligns with Dubai’s Self-Driving Strategy, which aims to make 25% of all trips autonomous by 2030. According to Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, Dubai is set to become the first city in the world to launch an aerial taxi service, with operations expected to begin in early 2026.
The Joby S4 aerial taxi is an electric-powered vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. It can carry four passengers and a pilot, making it a convenient and fast alternative to regular taxis and cars. With a range of up to 161 kilometres and a top speed of 322 km/h, the aircraft is designed to reduce travel time and carbon emissions.
For example, a journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah, which currently takes around 45 minutes by car, will be cut down to just 12 minutes by air. This will provide a faster, quieter, and more efficient mode of transportation for residents and visitors alike.
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Dubai’s first aerial taxi routes will connect some of the city’s most important destinations, including:
- Dubai International Airport
- Downtown Dubai
- Dubai Marina
- Palm Jumeirah
To support this service, a dedicated vertiport is being developed. The vertiport will handle 42,000 landings per year and is expected to serve 170,000 passengers annually. This infrastructure will ensure the smooth operation of aerial taxis while integrating with Dubai’s public transport system.
The project is a result of global partnerships, with Skyports Infrastructure leading the design and construction of vertiports, while Joby Aviation will manage the vehicle operations.
Dubai’s aerial taxi is a key part of its vision for a greener and smarter future. The Joby S4 is a fully electric aircraft, meaning it produces zero emissions. It is also much quieter than traditional helicopters, making it more suitable for urban environments.
Majed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the Museum of the Future, highlighted the importance of this initiative. He stated that the aerial taxi prototype reflects Dubai’s leadership in future mobility and allows visitors to experience innovations that will redefine travel.
“Our partnership with the RTA underscores the museum’s mission to inspire groundbreaking ideas and foster a culture of innovation. It aligns with Dubai’s vision of achieving meaningful advancements that benefit society, guided by the aspirations of our leadership,” he said.
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One of the main priorities of this project is safety. The Joby S4 aerial taxi is designed to meet the highest global safety standards. The aircraft features:
- Six rotors for stability
- Four battery packs for reliability
- Advanced navigation and control systems
Each aerial taxi will also have a trained pilot on board to ensure a safe and smooth journey. The aircraft’s design focuses on comfort and convenience, making it an attractive option for both daily commuters and tourists.
The aerial taxi project is an important part of Dubai’s broader Self-Driving Strategy, which aims to transform the city’s transportation sector. The goal is to reduce traffic congestion, cut emissions, and improve travel efficiency by integrating self-driving vehicles, smart transport systems, and aerial taxis.
RTA’s agreement with Skyports Infrastructure and Joby Aviation ensures that this vision becomes a reality. These partnerships will allow Dubai to build a world-class urban air transport network, making it the first city to introduce aerial taxis on a large scale.
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Dubai’s aerial taxi service is scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2026. Once operational, it will revolutionize transportation in the city by offering: Faster travel times, Zero-emission flights, Seamless public transport integration, A premium passenger experience
The aerial taxi system will also connect with other modes of transport, such as metro, buses, and e-scooters, creating a fully connected smart transport network.
Anthony Khoury, UAE General Manager of Joby Aviation, expressed excitement about the project “It is an honor to share our electric air taxi with the public at the Museum of the Future. We plan to deliver an incredible experience for residents and visitors to Dubai, and we’re excited to invite people into the conversation about the future of clean, quiet, and efficient air travel.”
