Hamdan bin Mohammed gives green light for construction of Dubai’s first aerial taxi vertiport

emirates7 - H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has approved the construction of Dubai’s first aerial taxi vertiport near Dubai International Airport. This groundbreaking project will make Dubai the first city globally to offer urban aerial transport through an advanced aerial taxi take-off and landing network.

The vertiport, designed to complement Dubai's iconic urban landscape, will provide passengers with a seamless and comfortable travel experience. Covering 3,100 square meters, it will include designated zones for take-offs and landings, aircraft charging, a dedicated aerial taxi apron, and a parking area. With a capacity for approximately 42,000 landings annually, the vertiport is expected to serve around 170,000 riders per year.

Upon Sheikh Hamdan’s arrival at the RTA headquarters, he was welcomed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of RTA, senior RTA officials, and representatives from Joby Aviation and SkyPorts, the companies involved in the project. Sheikh Hamdan was presented with the vertiport's modern design, which aligns with Dubai’s architectural style and offers air-conditioned facilities built to the highest safety standards. Joby Aviation will manage aircraft manufacturing and operations, while SkyPorts will oversee the design and construction of the vertiport infrastructure, with RTA ensuring governance and integration with other transport modes. The aerial taxi service is expected to launch in Q1 2026.

The Joby S4 aerial taxi, which will be used in this service, features vertical take-off and landing capabilities. This eco-friendly electric vehicle, known for its safety, comfort, and speed, produces zero emissions and generates less noise than traditional helicopters. With six rotors, four battery packs, and a flight range of up to 161 kilometers, the aerial taxi can travel at speeds of up to 321 km/h. It can carry four passengers and a pilot.

The aerial taxi service will initially operate from four key locations: Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. A trip from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah will take about 12 minutes, compared to 45 minutes by car. This service will also integrate with public transportation, e-scooters, and bicycles, enhancing city-wide connectivity.

Earlier this year, the RTA signed an agreement with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), SkyPorts Infrastructure, and Joby Aviation to launch the aerial taxi service.