Abu Dhabi Tests Passenger eVTOL with EHang to Boost Smart Air Mobility

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office

Abu Dhabi Takes Flight into the Future with First Flying Taxi Test
Abu Dhabi has just taken a major leap into the future of travel. In a bold and exciting move, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) teamed up with Chinese tech pioneer EHang and local partner Multi-Level Group (MLG) to carry out the first-ever public test flight of a passenger flying taxi, right here in the skies above the UAE capital.

This isn’t a scene from a science fiction movie. It’s real, and it’s happening now.

With key support from the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, this achievement represents far more than just a technical success—it’s a sign that Abu Dhabi is shaping a smarter, cleaner, and faster way to move through our cities.

So, What Exactly Is an eVTOL?
An eVTOL, or electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, is a flying vehicle powered entirely by electricity. It lifts off the ground straight up—like a helicopter—but without the noise, fuel, or emissions. It’s built for the modern city, designed to be clean, efficient, and easy to use.

The model tested in Abu Dhabi was the EH216-S. Made by EHang, it’s a sleek, two-seat aircraft that flies without a pilot. It’s quiet, runs on electricity, and leaves behind zero pollution—making it a perfect option for urban flying taxis.

And here’s the exciting part: this was not a simulation. The aircraft flew. It worked. And it happened, right here in Abu Dhabi.

Why This Flight Really Matters
This test flight wasn't just a cool tech demo—it’s a milestone in Abu Dhabi’s journey toward smarter transportation. Here’s why it’s such a big deal:

• First public test flight of a passenger eVTOL in the UAE
• Fully autonomous—no pilot required
• Zero-emission, electric-powered flight
• No runway needed, perfect for urban use
• A big step forward for the UAE’s smart city vision
• Backed by aviation authorities and innovation leaders

Abu Dhabi Is Building the Future of Air Travel
This flight was just the beginning. EHang is now planning to set up shop in Abu Dhabi, with operations and manufacturing facilities on the way. That means more jobs, more innovation, and a whole new industry being built in the heart of the UAE.

As Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, put it:

“Abu Dhabi is not waiting for the future—we are building it. This project transforms bold ideas into real solutions for our people, our cities, and our economy.”

What’s Next for the UAE?
This successful flight is the first step in an exciting roadmap that includes:

Designing smart air routes and dedicated landing spots (called vertiports)

Creating safety regulations to support public use

Launching an eVTOL network as part of daily urban transport

A Future That’s No Longer Far Away
Imagine you're stuck in traffic. Instead of honking and waiting, you call a flying taxi. It lifts you straight into the sky, glides quietly over the city, and drops you off in minutes—with no emissions and no delays.

That’s not just a futuristic dream anymore. Abu Dhabi is making it real.

Thanks to its commitment to innovation, clean energy, and global collaboration, the UAE is on track to become a global leader in smart air mobility.

The Sky Isn’t the Limit Anymore—It’s the Starting Line
With this historic step forward, Abu Dhabi is proving that bold ideas backed by smart planning can reshape how we live, move, and connect. Flying taxis are no longer a thing of the future—they're becoming part of our world.

And it all began here, in Abu Dhabi.