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.