Dubai is advancing its position as a leader in smart city development and seamless transportation with the region’s first successful test flight of an electric aerial taxi, marking a major milestone in its urban air mobility ambitions.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) conducted the test in collaboration with Joby Aviation, a U.S.-based company, at a designated desert testing site.

The initiative is part of Dubai’s broader strategy to incorporate advanced, sustainable transport solutions into the city’s infrastructure. The fully electric Joby aircraft is equipped with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, six rotors, and four battery packs.

The aircraft can carry four passengers and a pilot, reach speeds of up to 320 km/h, and cover distances of up to 160 km, all while producing significantly lower noise levels than traditional helicopters.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, said the project reflects the UAE’s commitment to adopting transformative technologies and improving quality of life.

“The successful aerial taxi test flight demonstrates our determination to transform breakthrough technologies into practical solutions that enhance quality of life,” he noted.

The RTA’s collaboration with Joby builds on earlier autonomous transport initiatives, including electric bus trials. According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General of the RTA, aerial taxis will offer a premium mobility option with significantly reduced travel times—for instance, cutting the journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah to just 12 minutes.

The project also involves developing dedicated vertiports, charging infrastructure, and flight control facilities in partnership with entities such as Shamal Holding and Skyports Infrastructure.

The first aerial taxi station near Dubai International Airport is expected to be operational in 2026, aligning with the launch of the inaugural commercial flight.

JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, described the trial as a pivotal moment in global mobility. “Dubai serves as a launchpad for a global revolution in mobility, and flying our aircraft here represents a pivotal step towards integrating Aerial Taxi services into the fabric of daily life around the world,” he said.

The test follows two years of high-temperature testing in the United States and builds on more than 40,000 miles of test flights conducted by the company.