Mashable: The United Arab Emirates has green-lit its first operational vertiport for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOLs) aircraft in Abu Dhabi.

The first-ever temporary vertiport for flying taxis in the UAE has operated successfully in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

According to the Khaleej Times, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), in collaboration with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Abu Dhabi Mobility (AD Mobility), which is an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi (DMT) has unveiled the UAE’s first operational vertiport.

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The successful launch of vertiport, a dedicated area supporting the vertical takeoff and landing of aircraft without the need for a runway was successfully conducted at the DRIFTx mobility event at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

Although a temporary vertiport facility, this development marks a significant step in the UAE capital’s commitment to establishing a sophisticated air taxi network by 2026.

Abu Dhabi Investment Office, GCAA, Abu Dhabi Mobility unveil UAE’s first operational vertiport#WamNewshttps://t.co/i9vBw83bSi pic.twitter.com/iaPRXTg9sm — WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) April 25, 2024

This comes after the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) gave the operational approval for the first vertiport in UAE. More vertiports will be set up across Abu Dhabi, including major business hubs and tourism destinations.

Meanwhile, during a panel discussion at the DRIFTx event, a top official from the authority (GCAA) revealed that Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island will feature the first vertiport in the Middle Eastern country.

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This temporary vertiport facility has been constructed in line with the latest industry standards and regulations set by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The temporary location on Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi reportedly has three platforms marked for take-off and landing of eVTOL aircraft.