Industry experts at the DRIFTx event held at Yas Marina Circuit have highlighted the imminent arrival of flying taxis that could drastically reduce travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to just half an hour. According to Joby Aviation, a US-based company pioneering electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, these air taxis are set to commence operations by 2025 or early 2026.
“Our aircraft will be able to fly between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 30 to 35 minutes,” a Joby Aviation executive told Khaleej Times during the event.
Speaking on the UAE’s role in advancing urban mobility, JoeBen Bevirt, CEO of Joby Aviation, commended the country’s efforts in infrastructure development and certification of autonomous aircraft. “The UAE has been able to expedite moves on building critical infrastructure,” Bevirt said, emphasizing safety and noise control as key considerations for the company.
In February, Joby Aviation inked an agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to introduce air taxi services in the Emirate by early 2026. Additionally, other players like Archer Aviation and Falcon Aviation are also gearing up to develop vertiport infrastructure in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Archer, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), announced plans to accelerate commercial air taxi operations in the UAE, with its Midnight aircraft slated to launch as soon as next year. Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer, hailed the agreement with Abu Dhabi as a pivotal moment for the company’s endeavors in the Emirates.
The DRIFTx event provided a glimpse into the future of transportation with displays featuring Automated Rapid Transit (ART), self-driving taxis, and driverless minibusses. Attendees witnessed sea, air, and land demonstrations showcasing various innovative solutions, including prototypes of flying taxis and drones.