DUBAI: Dubai is set to transform urban transportation with the launch of fully electric air taxis by early 2026 as part of its Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiatives. Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of the Transportation Systems Department at Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), announced the plan during the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) World Congress in Dubai. The event, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 16th to 20th September, is a key global platform for advancing mobility solutions.

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The first of four vertiports for the air taxi service, powered by Joby Aviation, is expected to become operational in the first quarter of 2026. These vertiports will be strategically located at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Downtown, facilitating convenient air taxi access across the city.

The air taxis, designed to carry a pilot and four passengers, will travel at speeds of up to 320 km/h. This means passengers could reach Palm Jumeirah from Dubai International Airport in just 10-12 minutes, a significant reduction compared to the 45-minute car journey.

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According to Al Awadhi, the air taxi service aims to provide fast, safe, and modern transport between key locations in the Emirate, with a focus on connecting to hotels and the airport. This initiative represents a major leap in autonomous air transportation, positioning Dubai at the forefront of futuristic travel.

Tyler Trerotola, General Manager for the Middle East at Joby Aviation, emphasised that this service will offer a cutting-edge solution for urban mobility. The project also involves Skyports Infrastructure, which signed an agreement with RTA and Joby Aviation earlier this year to develop the vertiport infrastructure.

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This ambitious project aims to revolutionise the way people travel in Dubai, offering a unique, efficient alternative to traditional road transport.