The Museum of the Future, in partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has unveiled a prototype of Joby Aviation’s aerial taxi, Middle East Economy reported.
The Joby S4 aerial taxi features vertical take-off and landing, cutting-edge electric aviation technology, and zero emissions. Designed with the latest global advancements, it is supposed to deliver exceptional safety, comfort, and speed while setting new standards in sustainable air mobility.
The aircraft utilises six rotors and four battery packs to support a pilot and four passengers. With a range of 161 kilometres and a top speed of 322 km/h, it offers a quieter, more advanced alternative to conventional helicopters.
The aerial taxi will connect key Dubai locations, including the airport, Downtown, Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. A trip from the airport to Palm Jumeirah will take just 12 minutes instead of 45 by car, seamlessly integrating with public transport and personal mobility options.
A state-of-the-art vertiport will be established to support aerial taxi operations, handling up to 42,000 landings per year and serving approximately 170,000 passengers. Built to the highest global safety standards, it will be developed and managed in collaboration with leading international partners.
Joby Aviation will oversee vehicle operations, Skyports Infrastructure will develop the vertiport, and RTA will ensure seamless integration with Dubai’s transport network.
‘Marking the beginning of a transformative era in urban mobility, Dubai is set to become the first city in the world to launch the aerial taxi project, with the service scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2026,’ said Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems at RTA’s Public Transport Agency.
Dubai’s aerial taxi initiative is key to its vision of making 25% of trips self-driving by 2030. Powered by advanced electric technology, it aims to cut carbon emissions and support global sustainability goals.
The aerial taxi is a key part of Dubai’s Self-Driving Strategy, complementing metro, buses, and taxis. This milestone reinforces RTA’s partnerships with Skyports Infrastructure, a UK specialist in air transport infrastructure, and Joby Aviation, a US leader in aerial vehicle manufacturing.
