His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai on Sunday witnessed the signing of an agreement to launch an aerial taxi service in Dubai by 2026.
Aerial taxis in Dubai
Dubai is set to become the first city in the world with a commercial, city-wide electric aerial taxi service and vertiport network.
The project is part of RTA’s future mobility initiatives, aimed at providing transportation services for both Dubai residents and visitors.
The Joby Aviation S4 is designed to accommodate four passengers plus the pilot safely and securely. It is equipped with six propellers and four battery packs, enabling it to cover a maximum distance of 161km. With a top speed of up to 321km per hour, the aerial taxi is less noisy than helicopters. Its vertical take-off and landing capability makes it efficient for urban environments, eliminating the need for extensive horizontal space typically required for conventional stations.
“The aerial taxi initiative is part of RTA’s efforts to embrace future transportation technologies. The initial phase of the aerial taxi service will be launched at four prime locations: near Dubai International Airport, the Downtown area, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah.
ALSO READ:
“These vertiports will stand out for their innovative design, featuring take-off and landing zones, dedicated spaces for passengers and security checks, electric charging stations, and integration with public transport systems,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA.
“The aerial taxi service offers a novel and efficient mobility option for Dubai’s residents and visitors, enabling fast, safe, and convenient travel to key city spots. For example, a flight from the Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take just 10 minutes, down from the 45 minutes by car. This service is also set to enhance the integration with various public and individual mobility means such as taxis, e-scooters and bicycles, thereby facilitating seamless multimodal transportation, improving citywide connectivity, and ensuring a smooth travel experience for passengers,” he noted.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
