Dubai plans to launch its “aerial ridesharing” service by 2026, with United Arab Emirates Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum announcing the approval of designs for new air taxi stations across the city. 

Renewing its commitment to the flying taxi programme, the services is expected to start operating within three years after being first introduced in 2017. 

Joby Aviation, a US aviation company, showcased a six-rotor electric flying taxi in a promotional video tweeted out by the ruler, which includes plans for “vertiports” to connect four main areas of Dubai, enabling smooth end-to-end passenger journeys. 

 

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The firm’s plans include zero operating emissions from vertical take-offs and landings, and the ability to carry one pilot and four passengers, with a top speed of 300km per hour.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said it has been working with leading advanced air mobility companies such as Skyports Infrastructure and Joby Aviation. 

The flying taxis have been met with largely, and surprisingly, positive feedback on social media, with users expressing their excitement at the prospect of aerial ridesharing. 

While this is not the first time the concept of flying taxis has been introduced to the city, various aircraft and companies have cycled through plans since 2017, often being timed to coincide with Dubai’s annual World Government Summit. Last year, Chinese firm XPeng Aeroht demonstrated its two-seater electric VTOL flying car.

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