DUBAI, June 30 —Dubai has successfully completed the first test flight of its aerial taxi — a fully electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed to offer fast, zero-emission transport within cities.
The landmark test flight was conducted in the Dubai desert by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with California-based Joby Aviation. The vehicle, known as the Joby Aerial Taxi, is part of the city’s broader strategy to integrate next-generation mobility solutions under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
“Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, hailed the test flight as a transformative milestone. “This achievement reflects our commitment to placing the UAE at the forefront of transformative technologies that drive global progress,” he said. “The aerial taxi demonstrates our determination to turn breakthrough technologies into practical solutions that enhance quality of life.”
The eVTOL aircraft boasts a range of up to 160 kilometres and a top speed of 320 kilometres per hour. In practical terms, that means routes like Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah could be completed in just 12 minutes—compared to around 45 minutes by car.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of RTA, said the initiative underscores Dubai’s resolve to address emerging urban mobility challenges. “The launch of the aerial taxi shows our readiness to embrace rapid global transformations and develop future-ready transport solutions,” he said.
The first commercial operations of the aerial taxi are slated for 2026, with dedicated vertiport infrastructure to be launched near Dubai International Airport. The system is designed for minimal noise and small landing footprints, making it suitable for integration into densely populated urban environments.
JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, praised Dubai’s pioneering spirit. “Dubai serves as a launchpad for a global revolution in mobility, and flying our aircraft here is a pivotal step towards making aerial taxi services part of everyday life around the world,” he said.
Dubai is the first city globally to commit to a full-scale urban air mobility network using advanced eVTOL infrastructure. The project reflects the emirate’s ambition to set global benchmarks for innovation in sustainable urban development and transportation.
