Electric air taxis developed by U.S.-based Joby Aviation are set to begin commercial operations in Dubai by the end of this year, the city’s transport authority said, marking a major step in the emirate’s push to integrate advanced air mobility into its urban transport network.
Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said on Friday that the rollout follows the successful first test flight of Joby’s fully electric air taxi in Dubai in June 2025. The demonstration was seen as a key milestone toward regulatory approval and operational readiness.
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The Joby Aerial Taxi, an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, is designed to carry passengers over distances of up to 160 km (100 miles) at speeds of up to 320 km per hour (200 mph). The aircraft produces zero operating emissions and has been engineered to be significantly quieter than conventional helicopters, making it suitable for dense urban environments.
Joby secured exclusive rights in early 2024 to operate aerial taxi services in Dubai for six years under an agreement with the RTA. The aircraft was also showcased at the Dubai Airshow last year as part of the city’s efforts to position itself as a global hub for next-generation mobility.
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Vertiports to support the service are being developed at several high-profile locations, including Dubai International Airport, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina, according to officials.
Dubai’s leadership has framed the initiative as part of a broader sustainability and innovation agenda. “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,” said Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, in a post following last year’s test flight.
Joby has said the Dubai launch will be among the first commercial deployments of electric air taxis globally, as cities and regulators worldwide explore eVTOL services to ease congestion and cut transport emissions.