Dubai flying taxi—When is it coming to Dubai? (2024)

Courtesy of Joby Aviation

We’re soon to see electric flying taxis in Dubai, a city long renowned for its futuristic skyline and groundbreaking innovations. The introduction of flying taxis, or Urban Air Mobility (UAM) vehicles, is poised to transform the way residents and tourists navigate the bustling metropolis. As we edge closer to the official launch, Wired Middle East delves into the latest updates, technological advancements, pricing estimates, potential risks, and a realistic timeline for these airborne marvels.

Electric flying taxis in Dubai – The latest news

Dubai has long been at the forefront of embracing cutting-edge technology, and the concept of flying taxis is no exception. Spearheaded by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in collaboration with leading aviation companies, Dubai’s electric flying taxis are expected to be operational by 2026 and agreements have been signed with US-based Joby Aviation supplying the aircraft and UK firm Skyports Infrastructure building the vertiports – the takeoff and landing ports – and the infrastructural network.

The deals – giving Joby six years of exclusivity within Dubai – were signed at the World Government Summit 2024, held in Dubai. In terms of organization, RTA will oversee the air mobility aspects of the system, with Joby operating the service itself and Skyports designing, constructing and operating the vertiports, which might look like giant tents with a landing pad on top, as shown in our recent coverage.

Dubai Media Office broadcast the announcement in a Tweet where His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was pictured at the signing of the agreement and inspecting one of Joby Aviation’s taxis, which are dubbed “the Uber of the sky”.

. @HHShkMohd witnesses the signing of agreement to launch aerial taxis in #Dubai by 2026. The signing took place on Day 0 of the World Governments Summit. pic.twitter.com/VAN9RayJFr

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 11, 2024

Uber Air in Dubai

Uber Air is a new ‘sky taxi’ service by Uber and will be a multinational transportation network. Uber is working with partners including NASA and the US Army Research Laboratory (ARL) to launch a fleet of e-VTOL aircraft. It is now being developed in Dubai, Dallas, and Los Angeles.

The flying taxi service is being developed in Dubai, Dallas, and Los Angeles. The e-VTOL aircraft will fly between Skyports and will be capable of handling up to 1,000 landings per hour, despite having a footprint as dense as an acre or 2.

Are air taxis set to be launched in Dubai in 2026?

The most frequently asked question about flying taxis would be: When will we see air taxis in the sky?

While operations are planned for 2026, Joby Aviation has claimed that initial operations could begin in 2025. If all this pans out, that would make Dubai the first city in the world to host a commercial, city-wide electric flying taxi service, though Saudi’s NEOM, through its partnership with German firm Volocopter, aren’t far behind.

Which country has flying taxis?

Currently, no country has yet developed flying taxis.

The Future of Urban Air Mobility in Dubai

The introduction of Dubai’s flying taxis marks a significant leap toward achieving a more efficient and sustainable urban transportation system. The autonomous air taxis are expected to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel times, and minimize carbon emissions, aligning with Dubai’s vision of becoming a fully smart city.

According to Joby Aviation, the aircraft will carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, which is much faster than some other offerings on the market. As a result, a trip between Dubai International Airport and Palm Jumeirah would take 10 minutes compared to an estimated 45 minutes by car. Routes are expected to connect to four vertiports, Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina. However, given that the vehicles are capable of flying up to 161km, intercity journeys are on the horizon.

At present a trip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai can take over two hours at rush hour. However, Archer a company that creates flying cars, and Falcon Aviation, a leading aviation service provider in the UAE, are planning an intercity connection as early as 2025. The companies will launch Archer’s Midnight flying car in the UAE next year, with Falcon running the ground-based infrastructure.

Estimated Pricing and Accessibility

One of the critical factors that will determine the success of flying taxis in Dubai is their affordability and accessibility. While pricing details are still under wraps, estimates suggest that initial rides may be on the high side, catering primarily to business travelers and tourists seeking a unique experience.

However, as the technology matures and economies of scale come into play, prices are expected to become more competitive. Potential pricing models may include dynamic pricing based on demand, subscription-based services, and partnerships with businesses to subsidize costs for regular commuters. Ahmed Bahrozyan, chief executive of the Public Transport Agency has claimed that the rides would eventually cost a little more than an average trip on Careem.

The Technology Behind Flying Taxis

At the heart of Dubai’s flying taxis lies a suite of advanced technologies that ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability. These eVTOL aircraft are powered by electric batteries, making them environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional helicopters. The design includes multiple rotors for vertical take-off and landing, allowing them to operate in urban environments with limited space.

Autonomous navigation systems play a crucial role in the operation of these flying taxis. Equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, AI algorithms, and real-time data processing capabilities, these systems enable precise and safe navigation through the city’s airspace. Additionally, robust communication networks ensure constant connectivity between the aircraft, ground control, and other air traffic.

The aircraft are designed with redundant systems to handle emergencies, and rigorous testing protocols are in place to certify their airworthiness. Furthermore, the development of vertiports, strategically located across the city, ensures that passengers can embark and disembark safely and conveniently.

Potential Risks and Challenges

Despite all this promise, the deployment of flying taxis in Dubai comes with its own set of challenges and risks. Regulatory hurdles, air traffic management, and public acceptance are among the primary concerns that need to be addressed.

Regulatory bodies are working diligently to establish frameworks that ensure the safe integration of UAM vehicles into the existing airspace. This includes developing standards for airworthiness, pilot training (where applicable), and operational guidelines. Coordinating with international aviation authorities is also crucial to facilitate cross-border operations.

Air traffic management poses another significant challenge. With the introduction of flying taxis, Dubai’s airspace will become increasingly crowded, necessitating advanced systems to manage the flow of air traffic efficiently. Implementing AI-driven air traffic control systems and ensuring seamless communication between different stakeholders will be key to overcoming this challenge.

Public acceptance is another critical factor. Building trust in the safety and reliability of these autonomous air taxis will require transparent communication, successful pilot programs, and continuous improvement based on user feedback. Addressing concerns about noise pollution, privacy, and environmental impact will also be essential in gaining widespread acceptance. In terms of environmental impact, flying taxis, it is claimed, will operate with zero carbon emissions while also reducing traffic congestion and the accompanying pollution.

A Timeline for Activation

While the vision of flying taxis in Dubai is rapidly taking shape, a realistic timeline for their full-scale activation extends beyond the initial launch in 2026. The first phase will likely involve limited routes and a focus on proving the technology’s viability. Gradual expansion of routes, integration with other transportation modes, and scaling up operations will follow in subsequent years.

By the early 2030s, flying taxis could become a common sight in Dubai’s skies, offering a fast, efficient, and eco-friendly mode of transport. Continuous advancements in technology, supportive regulatory frameworks, and increasing public acceptance will drive this transformation, positioning Dubai as a global leader in urban air mobility.