The technolgy will involve flying module that can carry autonomous vehicles.

Whenever there's a conversation about smart mobility across cities in the Middle East, driverless vehicles along with connected cars are mentioned as game-changers for the near future, but flying cabs have always captured the imagination of tech enthusiasts. Although the aerial transport solution is still being developed in different parts of the world, it may become a reality sooner than expected in a world where the lines between science fiction and reality are being blurred with every innovative idea.

The past few years have seen the rise of drones in delivery chains for e-commerce, while AI sped up public transport in Dubai via smart routes for buses to avoid traffic, and predicted jams thanks to an intelligent control centre. But things are about to change significantly in a couple of years, as flying cars are set to glide into Dubai's cityscape, to carry people over congested roads for a quick commute.

Created by US-based LuftCar, the autonomous vehicles can be attached to modules which are capable of lifting them above the traffic, while the wagon can be detached from the aerial device at the end of a journey. Designed to pick up and drop self-driving cars, the flying module is equipped with six propellers, which allow it to take off and land vertically, from any surface in a city.

It can travel a distance of almost 500 kilometres in one go after take off, and can hit a top speed of more than 350 kmph, as it floats ahead at a height of 4000 feet. Unveiled at Dubai Airshow, the vehicle by LuftCar will be fuelled by hydrogen, and will be available at a high price for corporates after its initial release.

Although the five seater flying vehicle will be fully autonomous, it'll also have an override option in case someone needs to take over in an emergency situation. Other than beating urban traffic across the Emirates, the aerial car can double up as an ambulance or for disaster relief efforts, for access to remote areas.