Dubai has successfully completed the Middle East’s first electric air taxi test flight, marking a significant leap toward introducing commercial air mobility services. The historic trial, conducted by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in partnership with U.S.-based Joby Aviation, took place at a desert test site and was witnessed by senior officials from the transport and aviation sectors.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Crown Prince, lauded the achievement as a testament to Dubai’s dedication to pioneering future mobility solutions. “We aim to make life easier for people and shape a city built around the needs of future generations,” he stated.
The all-electric aircraft boasts vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, reaching a top speed of 320 km/h and covering a range of 160 km. Designed to carry four passengers and a pilot, the air taxi offers a low-noise, environmentally friendly transportation option ideal for dense urban areas.
The RTA plans to launch the first aerial taxi station near Dubai International Airport by 2026, with an expected travel time of about 12 minutes between the airport and Palm Jumeirah. This initiative aims to revolutionize urban mobility and reduce congestion on the roads.
Joby Aviation CEO JoeBen Bevirt praised Dubai’s visionary approach, saying the collaboration “brings clean, quiet aviation closer to everyday life.” The successful test flight signals a promising future for air mobility in the region, aligning with global trends toward sustainable and innovative transportation solutions.
