Dubai unveils first look of high-speed electric aerial taxi (VIDEO)
Joby S4, a quiet and efficient electric taxi, can carry four passengers and a pilot
Dubai’s Museum of the Future, in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has revealed an aerial taxi prototype developed by Joby Aviation.
The exhibit, displayed on the museum’s Tomorrow, Today floor, highlights Dubai’s ambitious vision for smart, sustainable transport and aligns with the Dubai Self-Driving Strategy.
The initiative is a crucial step towards achieving 25 per cent self-driving trips by 2030. The fully electric aircraft aims to reduce carbon emissions and offer a cleaner, faster mode of transport.
Dubai leads the way
Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, stated, “We are honoured to showcase the aerial taxi model at the Museum of the Future, which underscores Dubai’s ambition and forward-thinking approach to redefining mobility in this vibrant city.”
Al Awadhi confirmed that Dubai is on track to become the first city in the world to launch aerial taxi services, with operations expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026.
A cutting-edge innovation
The Joby S4 aerial taxi is a fully electric vehicle designed to offer a quiet and efficient alternative to traditional transport. Equipped with six rotors and four battery packs, it can accommodate four passengers plus a pilot. The aircraft has a range of up to 161 kilometres and a maximum speed of 322 km/h.
With vertical take-off and landing capabilities, the aerial taxi ensures minimal noise pollution while maintaining high safety standards.
Key routes and connectivity
Initially, the service will link major destinations, including Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah.
A flight from the airport to Palm Jumeirah will take approximately 12 minutes – significantly faster than the 45-minute journey by car. The aerial taxis will also integrate seamlessly with Dubai’s public transport network, complementing existing options such as the metro, buses, and e-scooters.
World’s first vertiport
To support this revolutionary transport system, Dubai is developing the world’s first vertiport network. The initial facility, designed for 42,000 annual landings and accommodating around 170,000 passengers, will meet the highest global safety standards.
Joby Aviation will oversee vehicle operations, while Skyports Infrastructure – a UK-based firm – will manage the construction and operation of vertiports. The RTA will ensure a seamless integration with Dubai’s transport infrastructure.
A vision for the future
Majed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the Museum of the Future, emphasised that the exhibit aligns with Dubai’s goal of becoming a leader in advanced transportation.
“The Museum of the Future has become home to the aerial taxi prototype, reflecting Dubai’s pioneering leadership in shaping the future of mobility. This initiative provides visitors with a glimpse into innovations designed to make travel faster, safer, and more sustainable,” he said.
The aerial taxi programme is a key pillar of Dubai’s Self-Driving Strategy, which aims to integrate autonomous vehicles across multiple transport sectors.