Gulf Business: Dubai has completed its first purpose-built air taxi station near Dubai International Airport, marking a significant milestone in the emirate’s push to lead the future of urban mobility.

The four-storey facility, designed to support electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, is set to become the main hub for air taxi operations in the city. The project is being delivered by Skyports Infrastructure in partnership with Joby Aviation and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, said the development marks a “strategic leap” in the emirate’s push to become a global hub for innovation and future-ready transport.

The station spans 3,100 square metres and includes two take-off and landing pads, dedicated charging infrastructure, and climate-controlled passenger facilities capable of handling up to 170,000 passengers annually.

Officials said the air taxi service will offer a significantly faster alternative to road travel. A journey from DXB to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take around 10 minutes, compared to roughly 45 minutes by car.

The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to integrate air mobility into Dubai’s existing transport network, alongside metro, buses and shared mobility options. Authorities aim to create a seamless, multi-modal system that enhances connectivity across key business districts and tourist hubs.

Mattar Al Tayer, director-general of the RTA, said the milestone reflects Dubai’s readiness to adopt next-generation mobility technologies and positions the city among the most future-prepared globally.

Commercial launch in sight
Dubai is targeting a commercial rollout of the air taxi service by the end of 2026, with additional stations planned in Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina.

Under an agreement with the RTA, Joby Aviation holds exclusive rights to operate the service in Dubai for six years, as it builds local operations and recruits pilots and staff in the UAE.

The aircraft itself is fully electric, producing zero operational emissions and significantly lower noise levels — up to 100 times quieter than a conventional helicopter, according to the company.

The milestone follows a series of test flights in 2025, including the UAE’s first piloted point-to-point air taxi journey between Margham and Al Maktoum International Airport.

Executives say the completion of the station signals that the infrastructure is now in place for the transition from testing to commercial passenger services.

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports Infrastructure, described the development as “aviation history in the making”, while Joby’s UAE general manager Anthony El-Khoury said the company is now focused on delivering “fast, quiet, and sustainable air travel” for residents and visitors.