Transport of the Future: Dubai Tests Driverless and Flying Taxis

Dubai has completed the first test flight of the Joby Aerial Taxi — the first of its kind in the region and a major step toward launching a new transportation system in 2026.

The flying taxi was developed by Joby Aviation in collaboration with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). It can carry a pilot and four passengers, take off and land vertically, and reach speeds of up to 321 km/h during horizontal flight. The aircraft is fully electric, making it an eco-friendly solution.

The air taxi service will connect four key locations in the city: Dubai International Airport, Downtown, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. Dedicated vertiports will be built at each point.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, shared the news on X:
"Dubai has successfully completed the region’s first test flight of the Joby Aerial Taxi. Conducted through a collaboration between the Roads and Transport Authority and Joby Aviation, the test flight marks a major step toward launching full operations next year. The all-electric aerial taxi represents a new leap in eco-friendly urban mobility — reducing travel times, enhancing quality of life, and advancing sustainable development. This pioneering initiative is part of the UAE’s broader vision to lead the world in innovation and the deployment of advanced technologies. Our nation's skies have opened to new possibilities, and the best is yet to come."

RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer emphasized that air taxis will be integrated into the city’s overall transport network and will complement existing services, including e-scooters and bicycles. For example, the route from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah will take just 12 minutes by air taxi compared to 45 minutes by car.

It is expected that the fare will be comparable to Uber Black premium rates.

Driverless Taxis in Dubai

Alongside this, Dubai will also begin testing driverless taxis. In the pilot project by RTA, Uber, and WeRide, safety drivers will be present in the vehicles at first, with fully autonomous rides expected by 2026. Rides will be available through the Uber app.

The development of aerial and autonomous ground transport is part of Dubai's long-term strategy to implement cutting-edge technologies and boost the city's transportation efficiency.

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