05 February 2025

Dubai Unveils New Flying Taxi Prototype at the Museum of the Future

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Dubai is actively developing the concept of autonomous transportation and aims to transition 25% of all trips to self-driving vehicles by 2030. One of the key steps toward this goal is the unveiling of a flying taxi prototype by Joby Aviation, in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The exhibit is featured at the Museum of the Future, on the Tomorrow, Today platform, highlighting Dubai’s commitment to urban mobility innovations.

Joby Aviation Flying Taxi: Safety and Sustainability

The Joby S4 flying taxi is designed to meet the highest safety standards and features vertical takeoff and landing technology. It is a fully electric aerial vehicle that produces zero harmful emissions. Key specifications include:

  1. Maximum speed: 322 km/h
  2. Range: 161 km
  3. Passenger capacity: 4 passengers + pilot
  4. Noise level: Significantly lower than traditional helicopters

Thus, the flying taxi not only ensures fast and comfortable transportation but also contributes to reducing Dubai’s carbon footprint.

When Will the Flying Taxi Launch in Dubai?

According to RTA, the first commercial launch of the aerial taxi is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. The initial routes will connect key areas of the city, including:

  1. Dubai International Airport
  2. Downtown Dubai
  3. Dubai Marina
  4. Palm Jumeirah

For example, a journey from the airport to Palm Jumeirah will take just 12 minutes, compared to approximately 45 minutes by car.

Infrastructure for the Flying Taxi

To support this new transportation system, Dubai will construct the world’s first vertiport, capable of handling 42,000 landings per year and serving approximately 170,000 passengers annually.

Operational tasks will be distributed among several companies:

  1. Joby Aviation – Managing aerial vehicles and passenger logistics.
  2. Skyports Infrastructure – Designing, constructing, and operating vertiports.
  3. RTA – Integrating the service into Dubai’s transportation network.

Dubai – A Leader in Innovative Transportation Solutions

The flying taxi project is part of Dubai’s Self-Driving Strategy, which aims to develop an integrated public transportation system, including metro, buses, and autonomous taxis. This initiative reaffirms Dubai’s status as a global leader in smart transportation technology and sustainable development.

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