Dubai has successfully carried out the region’s first test flight of the Joby aerial taxi, a fully electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marking a major step toward next-generation urban mobility.
The test was conducted by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in partnership with US-based Joby Aviation. The aircraft is designed for fast, zero-emission travel within cities, producing minimal noise and requiring only a compact landing area.
Commercial aerial taxi services are scheduled to begin in 2026, with the first stations planned near Dubai International Airport. A trip from DXB to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take just 12 minutes, compared to 45 minutes by car.
The project aligns with Dubai’s broader strategy to lead in sustainable and innovative transportation solutions across the region.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer