UAE approves design of first hybrid heliport in Abu Dhabi
Zayed Port site to serve helicopters and electric air taxis by 2026
DUBAI: The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has granted design approval for the country’s first hybrid heliport, located at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in Zayed Port.
This major development marks a significant stride towards integrating advanced air mobility within the emirate’s existing infrastructure.
Unveiled on Wednesday, the heliport is designed to support both traditional helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft like Archer’s Midnight, with commercial air taxi operations expected to commence by 2026.
UAE hybrid heliport
The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal was selected due to its strategic location and high footfall, welcoming over 650,000 visitors annually. Situated at Zayed Port, the terminal serves as a key entry point for regional cruise tourism and provides convenient access to renowned landmarks such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Saadiyat Cultural District. This makes it an ideal launchpad for future-ready urban air mobility solutions.
Sustainable air travel
The hybrid heliport is the product of a strategic collaboration between the GCAA, AD Ports Group, Falcon Aviation Services, and Archer Aviation. It forms part of a broader infrastructure network being developed by Archer across the UAE. The goal is to establish a seamless, sustainable transportation ecosystem that connects key areas of Abu Dhabi with quiet, electric-powered air taxis.
Archer’s ‘Midnight’ aircraft is central to this vision. Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer at Archer Aviation, revealed that the company is open to adapting existing helipads across Abu Dhabi to fast-track operations. “There are more than 70 helipads in Abu Dhabi already. Electrifying these locations would allow us to scale up quickly with minimal capital expenditure,” he noted. Archer plans to begin test flights of the Midnight model in Abu Dhabi this summer.
The new heliport is also expected to enhance tourism offerings at the terminal, where Falcon Aviation Services currently operates popular heli-tours, giving visitors panoramic views of the city’s skyline and cultural landmarks.
Regulatory milestone
Notably, the UAE has also taken the lead globally in developing regulatory standards for hybrid aviation infrastructure. The GCAA has created a pioneering framework to ensure the safe, efficient, and interoperable operation of helicopters and eVTOLs from a single platform. These standards, which are currently being finalised, are set to be published by July 2025.
“This milestone is not just about infrastructure, it reflects the UAE’s unwavering commitment to innovation and global leadership in advanced air mobility,” said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA. “Through our close collaboration with Archer, AD Ports Group, and Falcon Aviation Services, we are enabling a future where sustainable, high-tech air transport becomes a core part of our urban landscape.”
Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General of the GCAA – Aviation Safety Affairs Sector, echoed this sentiment, adding, “By developing the world’s first regulatory standards for hybrid infrastructure, the GCAA is laying the foundation for a unified operational environment that is safe, efficient, and adaptable.”
‘Exciting new chapter’
Adam Goldstein, CEO and co-founder of Archer, highlighted the importance of utilising existing aviation assets as part of their UAE launch strategy. “Leveraging what’s already in place allows us to move quickly and safely. We’re focused on ensuring infrastructure readiness ahead of our planned commercial launch,” he said.
Meanwhile, Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon Aviation Services, expressed pride in the heliport’s transformation, calling it an “exciting new chapter” for tourism and urban transport in the emirate. “We are proud to support the UAE’s vision by introducing infrastructure that enhances tourism and advances sustainable air mobility.”
Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, CEO of Cruise Business at AD Ports Group, described the development as a significant milestone for Abu Dhabi. “This facility represents our commitment to innovation and sustainability. The use of cutting-edge technology at Zayed Port will allow us to deliver faster, greener services while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s leadership in cruise and aviation sectors.”