Dubai has commenced the construction of its first aerial taxi vertiport near Dubai International Airport, which is expected to be operational in 2026.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, gave the green light for the project.
The initiative is set to make Dubai the world’s first city to offer urban aerial transport through an advanced aerial taxi take-off and landing network.
Featuring a modern design that complements Dubai’s urban landscape, the vertiport is set to offer passengers a unique, comfortable and seamless mobility experience.
The facility will span 3,100 square metres, with a capacity for around 42,000 landings and 170,000 passengers annually.
It will have designated zones for take-off and landing, aircraft charging, a dedicated aerial taxi apron, and a parking area.
The initial phase will feature stations near DXB, Downtown, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah.
#Dubai gears up for a new era in aerial mobility with cutting-edge technology and innovation with the inauguration of the construction of the first Aerial Taxi Vertiport near Dubai International Airport.@rta_dubai | @jobyaviation | @Skyports_Infra pic.twitter.com/SWZU3cSZqd
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 12, 2024
In collaboration with leading international operators, Joby Aviation will manage aircraft manufacturing, operations and passenger movement, while Skyports will oversee the design, construction and operation of the vertiport’s infrastructure.
The RTA will be responsible for governance and integration with other transport modes. The aerial taxi service is expected to launch in Q1 2026.
The Joby S4 aerial taxi incorporates advanced technology with six rotors and four battery packs, enabling a flight range of up to 161 km at a maximum speed of 321 km/h.
With a capacity for four passengers plus a pilot, the aerial taxi generates significantly less noise compared to traditional helicopters.
- #Dubai set to be the world’s first city to launch urban aerial taxi network.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 12, 2024
- Vertiport spans 3,100 square metres and features designated zones for take-off and landing, aircraft charging, a dedicated aerial taxi apron, and a parking area.
- Facility has a capacity for… pic.twitter.com/2PgaANtQBr
.@HamdanMohammed inaugurates the Construction
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 12, 2024
of #Dubai's First Aerial Taxi Vertiport.@rta_dubai | @jobyaviation | @Skyports_Infra pic.twitter.com/qgWXnaBTZM
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