Dubai is set to begin commercial air taxi operations by the end of 2026, according to Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Al Tayer said the move comes as part of Dubai’s broader efforts to integrate advanced and sustainable mobility solutions into its transportation network.
In June 2025, Joby Aviation successfully conducted its first test flight of a fully electric air taxi in Dubai, marking a major milestone in preparations for the launch of the service. The test flight represented a key step toward incorporating air taxis into the emirate’s existing public transport ecosystem.
Developed by California-based Joby Aviation, the air taxi features vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities and can travel distances of up to 160 kilometres at speeds reaching 320 km/h, according to Reuters.
The aircraft is designed to be environmentally friendly, producing zero operational emissions and operating at low noise levels, making it suitable for use in densely populated urban areas.
Earlier this year, Joby Aviation signed an agreement with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority granting the company exclusive rights to operate air taxi services in Dubai for six years, further reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global hub for smart and future-ready transportation solutions.
