A flying taxi takes a test flight with the Burj Khalifa at the backdrop in Dubai.

Mohammed Yaseen, Staff Reporter

The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai (RTA) has announced that the construction of the first air taxi station in the emirate will commence by this year.

Khalid Al Awadhi, Director of the Public Transport Systems Department at the (RTA) stated that the locations of air taxi stations would be revealed before the official operation, which is scheduled to commence in 2026.

Al Awadhi also explained that the RTA would construct four air taxi stations in disparate locations throughout Dubai, with a meticulous plan to interconnect these stations with hotels, airports, and prominent tourist destinations.

During a press conference held on the sidelines of the World Congress & Exhibition on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS World Congress) in Dubai, he further elaborated that the RTA is currently engaged in efforts to enhance the infrastructure in a manner that aligns with the requirements of air taxis. This initiative is expected to bolster the overall efficiency of the system while simultaneously offering users a novel and seamless mobility experience.

He also highlighted the recent agreement with Joby Aviation to manufacture a four-seat aircraft capable of reaching speeds up to 320 km/h.

He further indicated that Dubai is positioned to become a global leader in air transport, with these projects aiming to minimize travel time between locations, thereby supporting the emirate's vision of becoming a smart and futuristic city.

“Our objective is to facilitate enhanced connectivity, and over the past 15 years, we have striven to transform the transport sector into what it is today,” stated Taylor Terrerotola, General Manager of Joby in the Middle East.

“In February, an agreement was reached with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) concerning the implementation of an air taxi project in Dubai,” he added.

He further stated that 90 per cent of the aircraft's components are designed in-house, which contributes to the advancement of future aviation.

The four-seat aircraft is a high-performance aircraft, capable of reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h, and is equipped with wings that boost its speed compared to conventional aircraft. It is anticipated that the aircraft will commence operations during the first quarter of 2026, with four sites developed in collaboration with four distinct regions, Terrerotola added.

He also pointed out that Dubai is an optimal location for both work and residence, citing the city's continuous efforts to develop as a key factor in its appeal. This attracts a growing number of individuals to work in Dubai, he added.

Time from the airport to Palm Jumeirah will require only approximately ten minutes, whereas the same journey would typically necessitate an hour by conventional transportation, he added.