UAE Authorities in Talks to Launch Nationwide Flying Taxi Services

Photo Credits: Hindustan Times

Aviation manufacturer and operator Joby Aviation is teaming up with infrastructure developer Skyports to begin flying taxi operations across the UAE. 

“We want to launch (air taxis) across all the UAE. Our ambition is to be everywhere. The Ras Al Khaimah agreement has been signed. We would love to be in Abu Dhabi. We would love to be in Sharjah and Ajman to serve the commuters. A lot of these discussions are happening, and they’re at different stages of maturity. Some are quite mature; others are still early. We're having discussions with most of the emirates.” said Anthony Khoury, General Manager for the UAE region at Joby Aviation. 

Joby Aviation, a company based in the United States, is developing a completely electric air taxi capable of vertical take-off and landing.  

The company has entered into an agreement with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch flying taxi operations in the Emirate by next year. On Monday, Joby also finalised a deal with the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) and Skyports Infrastructure to launch a passenger air taxi service in Ras Al Khaimah in the first half of 2027, connecting Dubai with Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. 

Dubai RTA, Joby and Skyports are also collaborating to build the first vertiport in the UAE at Dubai International Airport. 

Joby is not the only air taxi developer to have entered the UAE, Archer Aviation, also based in the United States, has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi authorities to launch a flying taxy service in the city and connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai. 

 This new eco-friendly mode of transport will initially cater mainly to the tourism industry and will be more expensive. As this segment grows, it is expected to become more accessible to the general public. Air taxi services in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman are anticipated to help reduce traffic congestion and travel time.