The initiative is a key pillar of Dubai’s Self-Driving Strategy, which aims for 25% of all trips to be autonomous by 2030. Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, announced that Dubai is on track to become the first city in the world to launch an aerial taxi service, with operations set to begin in early 2026.

The electric-powered Joby S4 features vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, carrying four passengers and a pilot. With a range of up to 161 kilometers and a top speed of 322 km/h, the zero-emission aircraft offers a faster, more sustainable alternative to traditional transportation. For instance, a journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah, which takes 45 minutes by car, will be cut to just 12 minutes by air.

The first routes will link major destinations, including Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah, ensuring smooth integration with the city’s public transport network. To support operations, a dedicated vertiport is being developed in collaboration with global partners. Designed to handle 42,000 landings per year, it is expected to serve around 170,000 passengers annually.