In a groundbreaking moment for transportation innovation in the Middle East, Dubai has successfully completed the region’s first test flight of the Joby Aerial Taxi, setting the stage for commercial launch by 2026. The trial was conducted through a strategic collaboration between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and California-based Joby Aviation.
The announcement was made by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, who shared the news on his official X account, calling the achievement a “major step” toward launching a fully operational aerial taxi service next year.
The Joby aircraft, an all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, represents a bold step toward eco-friendly, urban air mobility. Designed to carry passengers across cityscapes quickly and quietly, the aircraft aims to dramatically reduce travel time and carbon emissions — aligning perfectly with Dubai’s smart mobility goals and the UAE’s sustainability ambitions.
“Our nation’s skies have opened to new possibilities, and the best is yet to come,” Sheikh Hamdan stated.
This milestone underlines Dubai’s commitment to being a global leader in future-forward transportation and smart infrastructure. By embracing aerial mobility, the emirate is actively tackling urban congestion, improving transport efficiency, and reinforcing its position as a hub for innovation and next-generation technology.
With full operations expected to begin in 2026, residents and visitors may soon witness a whole new way of commuting — one that takes off vertically and lands directly into the future.
