Dubai prepares to launch the world’s first electric air taxi network by 2026

Dubai is edging closer to launching electric air taxis, with plans to develop a network of vertiports scattered around the emirate. These could connect major tourist spots, residential areas, and business districts, all while helping to reduce road congestion and cut down on tailpipe emissions.

Joby Aviation, a US-based company specializing in fully electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has been collaborating with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority along with Skyports Infrastructure. This partnership is under a six-year exclusive operating agreement signed back in February 2024. According to Joby, this agreement gives them the sole rights to operate air taxi services within Dubai, while also laying out a regulatory pathway and some financial backing to speed up early operations. The company reports that it has set up a local team to manage operations and plans to hire most of its staff from within the UAE as well.

The planned network will feature a mix of vertiports at airports and in urban areas. For example, Joby has already identified key sites such as Dubai Mall, Atlantis The Royal on Palm Jumeirah, and the American University of Dubai. Additionally, a vertiport at Dubai International Airport is in the cards. Skyports, meanwhile, has the exclusive task of designing, building, and running these vertiport facilities. They’ve completed some feasibility studies and kicked off architectural planning for the first phase.

Not long ago, Joby showcased a full-scale mock-up of its air taxi at Dubai Mall, highlighting how quiet the aircraft operates and its zero-emission profile. They describe the vehicle as a single-pilot eVTOL that can carry four passengers and cruise at speeds up to 320 km/h. The Middle East general manager at Joby mentioned that such speeds could reduce a trip like Dubai International to Palm Jumeirah from about 45 minutes by car to roughly 10-12 minutes in the air, pretty impressive, right?

This project is being positioned as a high-end, integrated mobility service. Joby has arrangements with ride-hailing platforms and local transport authorities, so people will be able to book trips through existing apps , and eventually, a dedicated Joby app will be available too. Initially, fares are expected to be similar to Uber Black trips, but they could come down as operations grow and become more widespread.

Dubai’s support isn’t just about allowing the service to operate. Joby has acknowledged receiving financial support from the emirate to help roll out the initial stages. There’s also a promise of streamlined regulations and close cooperation between public and private sectors, all intending to shorten the usual timeline for bringing a new transportation mode into city life.

From a technical standpoint, advocates argue that eVTOLs have some real advantages over traditional helicopters and petrol taxis, particularly in terms of climate impact and noise. Joby and its partners are promoting their service as emission-free at the point of use and notably quieter, which makes it more suitable for busy urban areas like malls, resorts, and major transit hubs.

So far, progress includes successful vertical flight demo flights and the beginning of infrastructure development. JoeBen Bevirt, Joby’s founder and CEO, said the team is making great strides across multiple fronts. “From flight tests to building infrastructure, we’re moving forward quickly as we prepare to launch commercial passenger flights in Dubai next year. Working with the RTA, government agencies, and infrastructure partners, we’ve managed to streamline the development process for what would be the world’s first air taxi service , and honestly, we’re closer than ever to making urban air travel something residents and tourists can experience daily in the UAE,” he shared.

Construction at the DXB vertiport is underway, and initial operations might kick off as early as late 2025, with plans for broader commercial service in 2026. Bevirt added, “Our air taxi service will give visitors and residents a chance to enjoy a revolutionary travel experience, with faster links between key sites and stunning views of the city skyline. As we start building out our network, it’s exciting to see our shared vision for electric urban air mobility becoming a reality. We’re very grateful to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Dubai’s government for their ongoing support and commitment to innovation.”

Local property developers are already involved too. Big names like Emaar, Wasl Asset Management Group, and owners of Atlantis The Royal are connected to vertiport site development, showing there’s strong demand from major destination spots that see lots of visitors. Skyports will be responsible for integrating charging stations, passenger processing, and safety systems at these sites.

Of course, industry experts and policy watchers point out that there are still some practical hurdles to clear. Integrating vertiports within Dubai’s busy urban fabric will take careful planning , buffers for noise, safety zones, and ground traffic management must all be sorted out. Plus, the electricity demand for charging these aircraft and building the infrastructure needs to be scaled up, all while making sure the energy used contributes to Dubai’s decarbonization goals. Joby’s eVTOLs eliminate direct emissions during operation, but the overall climate advantage relies heavily on how clean the grid is and on lifecycle emissions from aircraft manufacturing and batteries.

There’s also the question of capacity and affordability as the service expands beyond wealthy travelers. Joby aims to keep boarding times quick and connect seamlessly with other modes of transportation, including ground rides booked through partner apps. Still, how fast fares will come down to attract a broader customer base remains uncertain. Will this remain a premium offering, or could it eventually become part of the city’s everyday transport infrastructure?

For Dubai, this initiative fits into a broader strategy of testing cutting-edge transport tech and promoting low-emission alternatives. The local government has been supporting pilot projects and demonstrations before fully committing to commercial deployment. As construction ramps up and test flights begin, regulators and operators will be closely scrutinized , balancing safety, environmental impact, and public acceptance.

All told, if all goes according to schedule, residents and visitors might see electric air taxis bustling between key landmarks in Dubai by 2026. It’s a big step toward merging urban mobility with climate commitments, and it could very well redefine how people move around this vibrant city in the years to come.

Source: Noah Wire Services