Hamdan bin Mohammed approves construction of Dubai’s first aerial taxi vertiport

Photo : Dubai government media office

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, has approved the construction of Dubai's first aerial taxi vertiport, marking a significant milestone in the city’s ambition to become the world’s leader in urban aerial transport. The vertiport will be situated near Dubai International Airport and is set to enable the launch of an advanced aerial taxi take-off and landing network, revolutionizing urban mobility in the emirate.

Dubai’s vision to offer aerial transport is on track with this first-of-its-kind initiative, which will provide a sustainable, fast, and efficient alternative for urban travel. The vertiport, designed to complement Dubai’s modern skyline, will cater to passengers with a high level of comfort, accessibility, and ease of travel. Spanning 3,100 square meters, the facility will feature designated zones for aerial taxi take-off and landing, aircraft charging stations, a dedicated apron for aerial taxis, and a parking area. It is expected to accommodate up to 42,000 landings annually, serving around 170,000 passengers each year.

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His Highness Sheikh Hamdan was welcomed by His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), along with senior officials from the RTA, Joby Aviation (the manufacturer of the aerial taxi), and SkyPorts (the company in charge of designing and building the vertiport). The launch was accompanied by a presentation of the vertiport’s contemporary design, which reflects Dubai's commitment to advanced and sustainable transportation solutions.

The design incorporates cutting-edge features, including air-conditioned facilities built to global safety standards. Joby Aviation will be responsible for the aerial taxi's manufacturing, operations, and passenger movement, while SkyPorts will manage the vertiport's infrastructure and operation. The RTA will oversee governance and ensure smooth integration with other transportation modes in Dubai. The aerial taxi service is projected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.

The Joby S4 aerial taxi, which will operate from the new vertiport, is a state-of-the-art electric vehicle capable of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL). It produces zero emissions, offering a sustainable mode of transportation. The aerial taxi features six rotors and four battery packs, with a range of 161 kilometers and a top speed of 321 km/h. It can carry four passengers and a pilot while generating much less noise than traditional helicopters, making it an eco-friendly and comfortable option for travel.

In the initial phase of operations, the aerial taxi service will be available at four key locations: near Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. For example, a journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah will take just 12 minutes by aerial taxi, a significant improvement over the 45-minute drive by car. The aerial taxi service will also be integrated with Dubai’s existing public transport system, as well as options like e-scooters and bicycles, fostering a seamless, multimodal transport network throughout the city.

This project follows an earlier agreement between the RTA, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), SkyPorts, and Joby Aviation, which paved the way for the aerial taxi service in Dubai. With the upcoming launch of the aerial taxis, Dubai is positioning itself as a leader in advanced transportation technologies, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient urban mobility landscape.