Dubai is working nonstop to become the world’s first city with a fully developed vertiport network for eVTOLs by 2026. Once complete, this will pave the way for other cities and areas across the globe to catch up to Dubai and join the worldwide trend of air taxi services within an Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) framework.

Why Dubai Is a Strategic Choice for Joby — and a Catalyst for AAM Trends

Dubai is not just a launch city for Joby Aviation’s electric air taxi service—it’s a global proving ground that could set the tone for the entire Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry.

Government Support & Fast-Track Regulation

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has made AAM a strategic priority, awarding Joby a six-year exclusive agreement to operate eVTOL services starting as early as 2026.

Streamlined approvals: Dubai’s centralized governance allows faster infrastructure, airspace, and safety regulation approvals—something that’s difficult in countries with fragmented airspace authorities.

Public-private coordination: The government is working directly with Joby and Skyports to co-develop vertiports, ensuring seamless planning and integration

A supportive regulatory environment accelerates deployment timelines and provides a model for other cities aiming to fast-track UAM and AAM services.

Urban Design That Suits eVTOL Operations

Dubai’s sprawling, high-density urban layout—with congested roadways and long intra-city commutes—makes it ideal for vertical takeoff and landing aircraft

Joby plans 12-minute flights from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah—routes that typically take 45–60 minutes by car.

Tech-Forward Infrastructure & Energy Ecosystem

Dubai is heavily investing in smart cities, clean energy, and transport innovation, which supports AAM. Dubai is serious about vertiport integration with electric grids and smart mobility platforms. The leadership in Dubai is known for their embrace of autonomous and futuristic tech.

Global influence

Dubai is one of the world’s top tourism, business, and media hubs. Launching there gives Joby a high global exposure to travelers, investors, and regulators. Furthermore Dubai serves as a launchpad for regional expansion across the Gulf and South Asia.

Strategic Partners


Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)

  • Founded on November 1, 2005
  • CEO: Ahmed Bahrozyan
  •  Directs planning and approval/requirements of transport, roads & traffic
  • Taxi Corporation’s Fleet with 3,854 vehicles 
  • Signed agreement with Joby and Skyports to build vertiports and integrate air taxi service in Dubai

“The RTA’s plan for aerial taxis is in line with the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make 25 percent of all trips in Dubai driverless by 2030. The project aims to roll out a new mobility service driven by pioneering technology to ease the mobility of individuals across urban areas in a safe, smooth, and sustainable manner integrated with the public transport network in Dubai. The service is set to be operational by 2026.”Ahmed Bahrozyan, Chief Executive Officer of The Public Transport Agency at RTA

“The launch of the air taxi’s trial operation reflects UAE leadership’s vision to advance sustainable and innovative mobility across all public and shared transport modes. It underscores Dubai’s commitment to keeping pace with rapid global transformations and developing future-ready solutions to emerging mobility challenges.“…“The air taxi will introduce a new premium service for residents and visitors seeking smooth, fast, and safe travel to key destinations across the city. The service will also strengthen integration with public transport systems and individual mobility options such as e-scooters and bicycles, enabling seamless multimodal travel and enhanced connectivity across Dubai, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience for all passengers.”His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority 


General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)

  • Created in 1996
  • First in the Middle East region to introduce Satellite navigation (GPS) approach procedures for an airport (Dubai International Airport)
  •  Audits all UAE aircraft operators, International Airports, and Dangerous Goods forwarders


Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA)

  • Responsible for governing aviation activities within Dubai, UAE
  • Presided by Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum


Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS)

  • Responsible for overseeing air navigation services at Dubai International Airport (DBX), the world’s the world’s busiest airport for international passengers.


Dubai Police and Civil Defence

  • Founded on 1 June 1956
  • Commander in Chief: Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri
  • 30,000 personnel
  • Use of drones helps Dubai Police acheive an average emergency response time of 2 minutes and 24 seconds in the third quarter of 2023
  • Joby S4 eVTOLs can help provide Dubai Police and Civil Defense with assets for road traffic monitoring, patrol/security, and rescue operations

Skyports Infrastructure

  • Founded in 2018
  • Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company
  • Designs, obtains permits and builds vertiports
  • Operates vertiport networks globally
  • Technology
    • Landside landside terminal management
    • airside resource management
    • operational status supervision
    • data integration

“The scale of impact excites me most. We’re not just building vertiports, we’re enabling a new era of mobility that’s faster, quieter, and greener. Technically, I’m excited about integrating smart energy systems that dynamically manage high-powered aircraft charging in space- and power-constrained environments.” ..“We’re pioneering solutions like DC microgrids, dynamic load management, and EMS-driven scheduling. But the real excitement comes from knowing this infrastructure will eventually make cities more connected, efficient, and liveable.” – Ali Ilyas, Head of Electrification at Skyports Infrastructure

“Working on charging station rollouts in a dense city like London taught me the importance of forward planning, stakeholder engagement, and flexibility in design. These lessons are critical in Dubai, too, where we are introducing high-powered, fast-charging Vertiports for eVTOLs in four high-demand locations under the patronage of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), that also encompasses multi-modal (including micro-mobility) charging facilities.” – Ali Ilyas, Head of Electrification at Skyports Infrastructure

Skyport’s vertiport construction in Dubai:

Vertiport Locations:

Dubai International Airport (DBX)

  • the first of 4 vertiport sites
  • three-story vertiport
  • spanning 3,100 square metres
  • 2 landing areas
  • up to 10 landings per hour, with fast charging in between landings
  • can serve up to 170,000 passengers per year.
  • designed to allow expansion for future growth
  • Planned completion in Q1 2026
  • Dubai International Airport (DBX) is the the world’s busiest airport for international passengers.

proposed DBX Vertiport (courtesy of Skyports)


Dubai Marina

  • The world’s largest artificial marina
  • Reduces traffic congestion on Shiekh Zayed Road
  • Close proximity to Bluewaters Island and JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence)


Palm Jumeirah

  • Known for its luxury residential communities and upscale resorts such as Atlantis The Palm.
  • 12 minutes eVTOL flight between Dubai International Airport (DBX) to Palm Jumeirah vs 45 minutes by car

Downtown Dubai

  • Notable landmarks:
    • Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building;
    • Dubai Mall, the second-largest mall in the world 
    • The Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest choreographed fountain
  • Downtown Vertiport will connect with Dubai International Airport (DBX), Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina

In their own words:

“We are honoured to have received such strong endorsement of our Dubai vertiport vision from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. The appetite for technology innovation and infrastructure expansion in Dubai makes it a hugely promising environment for the launch of advanced air mobility. We’re excited to continue working with the RTA to make our joint vision of an integrated vertiport network a reality in 2026.”Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports

The United Arab Emirates is a launchpad for a global revolution in how we move.” …“In addition to building a performant aircraft, we’ve also been maturing our program for anticipated passenger service with global operational capabilities and scalable, durable manufacturing. Our flights and operational footprint in Dubai are a monumental step toward weaving air taxi services into the fabric of daily life worldwide. With our visionary partners, we’re igniting a future where quiet, clean flight is the new normal, and we’re demonstrating the leadership of American innovation on the global stage. –  JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation.

“We are delighted to have developed a vertiport concept for the emerging AAM industry, which will transform the way people travel in Dubai. The conceptual vertiport connects with Dubai International Airport and the Dubai Metro, to provide seamless, sustainable travel across the city for international and domestic passengers.” – David Summerfield, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners

“Dubai continues to lead the way in shaping the future of mobility, guided by the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This achievement also reflects our commitment to placing the UAE at the forefront of transformative technologies that drive global progress. Further, the successful aerial taxi test flight demonstrates our determination to transform breakthrough technologies into practical solutions that enhance quality of life and set new international benchmarks for urban development.” – His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai

“The UAE’s air transport sector, thanks to our wise leadership’s directives, is witnessing continuous development in accordance with global best practices. What we are witnessing today is the latest milestone in our efforts to enhance the sector’s global leadership and competitiveness. The UAE’s air transport sector has taken a big leap forward at the regional and global levels by announcing the launch of the pioneering air taxi project. It is set to bring about an unprecedented transformation in the country’s urban transport landscape, making it more flexible and sustainable.” – His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Civil Aviation Authority

Final Approach

Joby’s launch in Dubai is more than a headline—it’s a turning point. It’s where eVTOLs transition from prototypes and demos to revenue-generating, city-shaping transit systems. And because of Dubai’s influence and visibility, its success will reverberate far beyond the UAE.

As the AAM industry continues to define what scalable urban air travel looks like, all eyes will be on Dubai—and Joby is firmly in the pilot’s seat.

More Info:

From Lab to Launchpad: What We Really Did in Dubai: click here

Skyports Infrastructure’s design for vertiports approved in Dubai: click here

Foster + Partners develops concept design for Dubai vertiport terminal: click here

Loughborough University: Alumnus Ali Ilyas leads revolutionary air taxi service in Dubai: click here

Joby Cements Global Lead in Air Taxi Industry with Dubai Flights and Beginning of Commercial Market Readiness Work: click here

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA): click here

Mohammed bin Rashid and Hamdan bin Mohammed witness agreement to launch aerial taxis: click here

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