Dubai has approved the construction of its first aerial taxi vertiport near Dubai International Airport, taking a significant step toward becoming the first city to offer urban aerial transport. The vertiport’s design will blend into Dubai’s skyline, promising passengers a unique and comfortable journey through the skies.
The project, endorsed by Crown Prince and Executive Council Chairman Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will span 3,100 square meters and include designated take-off and landing zones, aircraft charging stations, a taxi apron, and parking spaces. It is projected to handle 42,000 landings and serve 170,000 passengers annually.
Built to the highest safety standards, the air-conditioned facility is a collaborative effort with global partners: Joby Aviation, which will manage aircraft manufacturing and operations, and Skyports, overseeing vertiport infrastructure design and management. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will regulate the project, integrating it with the city’s broader transit network. The service aims to launch by early 2026.
The aerial taxi, Joby’s S4 model, is a sustainable electric aircraft with zero emissions, featuring six rotors, four battery packs, and the capability for vertical take-offs and landings. It can travel up to 161 km with a top speed of 321 km/h, accommodating a pilot and four passengers while operating at lower noise levels than helicopters.
RTA Director-General Mattar Al Tayer stated that the initial phase will focus on four key locations, offering residents and tourists a fast, safe, and integrated travel option across Dubai.
Earlier this year, the RTA signed an agreement with the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Skyports Infrastructure (a UK leader in advanced aerial mobility), and Joby Aviation (a US expert in aerial vehicles) to launch the aerial taxi service.
