Dubai is preparing to become the first city in the world to launch a commercial flying taxi service, marking a pivotal moment in the future of urban transportation. Set to begin operations in early 2026, the initial fleet will consist of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft - known as eVTOLs - with further expansion planned in the years to follow.

The city’s transport authority has confirmed that the first four vertiports - landing and take-off pads specifically designed for these aircraft - will be located at Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart from the airport vertiport in the first quarter of 2026. These locations were strategically chosen to connect the airport with key hospitality and business zones, with the long-term goal of integrating flying taxis into Dubai’s broader public transport network.

The aircraft, produced by U.S.-based Joby Aviation, are designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers. They can travel at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour and are powered by six electric motors, which allow for vertical take-off and landing. According to Joby, this multi-motor design offers enhanced safety compared to traditional helicopters, which typically rely on a single rotor.

Noise and environmental impact have also been central considerations in the aircraft’s development. The eVTOLs are fully electric, producing zero operational emissions—no carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, or particulate matter. Sound levels during test flights have measured 45.2 decibels when flying at an altitude of 1,640 feet, a volume quieter than an average conversation and significantly below that of conventional jet engines.

While exact pricing details have yet to be finalized, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has indicated that the cost of a flying taxi ride is expected to be comparable to that of a premium ride-hailing service such as Uber Black. In the UAE, an Uber Black ride typically starts at AED 23, with per-kilometer and per-minute charges thereafter. Joby Aviation has publicly stated that it aims to match these ground transport prices as closely as possible.

In June 2025, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority announced that flying taxis will be permitted to take off and land at existing helipads, expanding potential network access across the country. As infrastructure is put in place and regulatory frameworks evolve, Dubai’s flying taxi program is poised to become a transformative model for other global cities seeking sustainable, high-speed urban mobility.

Photo credits: Joby Aviation. 

Alexander Agafiev Macambira

Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.