In a landmark move toward the future of urban mobility, Dubai has successfully conducted the region’s first test flight of the Joby Aerial Taxi, signalling a major step forward in launching full operations by next year.

The flight was carried out at a designated desert testing site through a collaboration between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and California-based Joby Aviation, a leading developer of all-electric, vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The announcement was made by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Sheikh Hamdan described the milestone as a “major step” in Dubai’s journey to becoming a global leader in aerial transportation and eco-friendly innovation.

“Dubai has completed the region’s first test flight of the Joby Aerial Taxi,” Sheikh Hamdan posted. “Our nation’s skies have opened to new possibilities, and the best is yet to come.”

The future of flying taxis in Dubai

The Joby Aerial Taxi is an all-electric, low-noise aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing, designed to dramatically cut commute times while reducing carbon emissions. The aircraft is a key part of Dubai’s wider plan to transform urban mobility, relieve road congestion, and boost sustainability through innovative technologies.

The aerial taxi service is expected to:

• Slash intercity travel times
• Improve air quality through electric propulsion
• Integrate with Dubai’s smart city infrastructure
• Enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors

A leap toward sustainable innovation

This test flight represents more than just a technological breakthrough, it underscores the UAE’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and global leadership in advanced transport solutions.

The aerial taxi initiative aligns with the government’s 2030 smart mobility vision and complements other ambitious RTA projects focused on autonomous transport, AI integration, and clean energy adoption.

Full commercial operations of the Joby Aerial Taxi are expected to launch in 2026.

UAE residents are being warned that advertising or selling fake products online isn’t just a shady practice, it’s a criminal offence punishable by hefty fines of up to Dh200,000 and jail time. According to legal expert Adnan Obaid Al Shaali, such acts fall under electronic fraud, as per Article 40 of the Federal Law No. 5 of 2012 on Cybercrimes.

Using fake social media accounts or websites to deceive buyers into purchasing non-existent or counterfeit goods could lead to serious legal consequences, not just minor commercial penalties.

Article 11 of the same law also covers the creation of fake websites or accounts falsely attributed to individuals or entities, carrying penalties of:

• Imprisonment
• A fine between Dh50,000 and Dh200,000, or both.

If the fake platform is used to defame the person or business it impersonates, the penalty increases to a minimum of two years in jail.

Bounced cheques: No longer criminal but still enforceable through courts

While bounced cheques are no longer a criminal offence in most cases, thanks to recent legal reforms in the UAE Commercial Transactions Law,  they remain legally enforceable through civil courts.

Here’s how cheque holders can recover their money:

Step 1:

Obtain an official bank notification or endorsement on the back of the cheque confirming “insufficient funds,” along with a certificate detailing the issuer’s account status.

Step 2:

Submit an Execution Request to the civil court, attaching:

• The bounced cheque
• The bank certificate
• Proof of debt

Step 3:

The court will notify the debtor, who must settle the amount within 15 days of receiving the notice.

As a precaution, cheque holders can request the court to impose a travel ban on the debtor until the amount is paid.

However, a bounced cheque may still lead to criminal action if used in:

• Fraudulent schemes
• Forgery
• Intentional balance withdrawal before the due date
• Illegal instructions to banks to block payments

Real vs Replica vs Fake: What Every Shopper Should Know in Dubai

When shopping in Dubai, whether online or at bustling markets like the Gold Souk, it’s essential to understand the difference between real, replica, and fake products. Many store profiles, especially online sellers, label their goods as “first copy,” “second copy,” or “third copy”, terms that refer to how closely a product resembles the original.

Here’s how to tell them apart:

 Real (Original)

• Manufactured by the official brand.
• Highest quality and craftsmanship.
• Sold only in authorised stores or official retail outlets.
• Comes with genuine certification, warranty, and support.

 Replica (First/Second/Third Copy)

• First Copy: High-quality imitation, closely resembles the original, often using similar materials.
• Second/Third Copy: Lower-grade replicas with more noticeable differences in design and durability.
• Replicas are not the same as fakes, some brands are aware of or even unofficially approve licensed replicas for a share of profit.
• Typically half the price of the real product, but still far more expensive than outright fakes.

Fake (Knockoff)

• Poor imitations made without permission.
• Often bear a copied logo or name but lack accuracy, quality, or safety standards.
• Materials used may be substandard or even harmful (e.g., unsafe chemicals in cosmetics or dangerous electronics).
• May not function properly, and buyers have no recourse if anything goes wrong.

Common Tourist Mistakes in Dubai

Even savvy travellers can fall for scams. Here are some real-life examples to watch out for:

Stick to official stores: Always buy expensive or branded items, such as watches, electronics, or jewellery, from licensed shopping malls or official outlets, not market stalls or

At the Gold Souk: There are three types of gold, pure gold, not quite gold, and not gold. Unsuspecting tourists can be sold base metals as “22K gold” in less reputable shops.

Too-good-to-be-true gadgets: If someone offers you the latest iPhone for Dh800 on the street, run. It may have an Android OS, dual SIM, a micro USB port, and be worth just Dh150 elsewhwere.

In a major move to ease traffic and support urban growth, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a comprehensive Al Safa Street Improvement Project, part of the city’s ongoing infrastructure expansion plan.

Stretching 1.5 km, the upgrade covers the stretch from the Al Safa Street–Sheikh Zayed Road junction to Al Wasl Street, a vital corridor in one of Dubai’s busiest urban areas. The goal? To cut travel time from 12 minutes to just 3 minutes and double road capacity from 6,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour.

What’s coming:

• 2 new bridges and 2 tunnels, totalling 3,120 metres in length
• Wider roads, revamped intersections, and smarter traffic signals
• Dedicated pedestrian walkways and cycling tracks
• Green urban spaces, landscaped areas, and enhanced public realm

Bridge details:

• Bridge 1: From Al Wasl Street to Sheikh Zayed Road & Financial Centre Street
  • 4 lanes, 1,005 metres, capacity: 6,400 vehicles/hr
• Bridge 2: From Al Satwa Road to Sheikh Zayed Road & Financial Centre Street
  • 2 lanes, 360 metres, capacity: 2,800 vehicles/hr

Tunnel details:

• Tunnel 1: From Sheikh Zayed Road/Financial Centre Street to Al Wasl Street
  • 2 lanes, 1,005 metres, capacity: 3,200 vehicles/hr
• Tunnel 2: At Al Wasl–Al Safa Street intersection
  • 2 lanes each way, 750 metres, capacity: 6,400 vehicles/hr

RTA Director-General Mattar Al Tayer highlighted that the project will serve a key district home to City Walk, Coca-Cola Arena, hotels, schools, and major attractions, enhancing connections to Downtown Dubai, Financial Centre Street, and surrounding communities.

“The project also aims to create vibrant spaces for walking and cycling, encouraging community interaction while improving traffic safety and mobility,” said Al Tayer.

Part of a bigger plan

The Al Safa project is part of a wider network upgrade, which includes:

• Al Wasl Street improvements from Umm Suqeim Street to 2nd December Street (15 km)
• Umm Suqeim Street development from Jumeirah Street to Al Khail Road (6 km)

Once complete, these upgrades will significantly enhance connectivity, safety, and quality of life across some of Dubai’s busiest and most vibrant districts.