Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, has given the green light for the construction of Dubai’s first aerial taxi vertiport near Dubai International Airport. This initiative is poised to establish Dubai as the first city globally to offer urban aerial transport through a sophisticated aerial taxi take-off and landing network.
According to Emirates News Agency, the vertiport will feature a modern design that complements Dubai’s urban landscape, and it is set to provide passengers with a unique, comfortable, and seamless mobility experience. Spanning 3,100 square metres, the facility will include designated zones for take-off and landing, aircraft charging, a dedicated aerial taxi apron, and a parking area. It is designed to accommodate approximately 42,000 l
andings annually, serving around 170,000 riders per year.
Upon his arrival at RTA headquarters, Sheikh Hamdan was welcomed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, senior RTA officials, JoeBen Bevert, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, and Damien Kisly, Head of Infrastructure EMEA at SkyPorts, the company responsible for the design and construction of the vertiport’s infrastructure.
Sheikh Hamdan attended a presentation on the Aerial Taxi vertiport’s contemporary design, which reflects Dubai’s iconic urban aesthetic. The vertiport will include air-conditioned facilities built to the highest global safety standards. In collaboration with international operators, Joby Aviation will manage aircraft manufacturing, operations, and passenger movement, while Skyports will handle the design, construction, and operation of the vertiport’s infrastructure. The RTA will oversee governance and integration with other transport modes. The aerial taxi service is anticipat
ed to launch in Q1 2026.
The Joby S4 aerial taxi is capable of vertical take-off and landing, operating as a sustainable, eco-friendly electric vehicle with zero emissions. Known for its safety, comfort, and speed, the aerial taxi incorporates advanced technology with six rotors and four battery packs, enabling a flight range of up to 161 kilometres at a top 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.
Al Tayer explained that the aerial taxi service will initially operate from four strategic locations near Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. This service provides Dubai residents and visitors with a new, rapid, and secure transport option to key city locations. For instance, a journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take approximately 12 minutes, compared to 45 minutes by car. The service also supports integration with publi
c transport modes and individual transport solutions like e-scooters and bicycles, promoting multimodal transport and city-wide connectivity for a smooth travel experience.
Earlier this year, RTA signed an agreement to launch the aerial taxi service with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Skyports Infrastructure, a UK-based leader in advanced aerial mobility infrastructure development, and Joby Aviation, a US-based specialist in aerial vehicles.