Dubai to launch Air Taxi by 2026, reveals prototype at the Museum of the Future

Dubai is planning to launch its Air Taxi service by 2026, which will play an important role in their goal to have 25% of all trips be self driving by 2030.

The announcement comes as Dubai's Museum of the Future unveiled a prototype of the aerial taxi developed by Joby Aviation, in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), says Arabian Business.

The prototype, displayed on the museum's Tomorrow, Today floor, is a key element of Dubai's vision to transform urban mobility and support the Dubai Self-Driving Strategy.

RTA, Joby Aviation showcase aerial taxi prototype at Dubai Museum

"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. Marking the beginning of a transformative era in urban mobility, Dubai is set to become the first city in the world to launch the aerial taxi project, with the service scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2026. The aerial taxi stands out for its vertical take-off and landing capabilities, coupled with its adherence to the highest standards of safety and security to ensure the well-being of passengers," Khaled Al Awadhi, Director, Transportation Systems at RTA's Public Transport Agency said.

The aerial taxi prototype is designed with vertical take-off and landing capabilities, ensuring it adheres to the highest safety and security standards.

It also aligns with the city's commitment to sustainability, featuring advanced electric technology to reduce carbon emissions.

"The Museum of the Future has become home to the aerial taxi prototype, reflecting Dubai's pioneering leadership in shaping the future of transportation. This initiative provides visitors with a glimpse into innovations designed to redefine mobility, making travel faster, safer, and more sustainable. Our partnership with the RTA underscores the museum's mission to inspire groundbreaking ideas and foster a culture of innovation. It aligns with Dubai's vision of achieving meaningful advancements that benefit society, guided by the aspirations of our leadership," Majed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the Museum of the Future added.

The Joby S4 aerial taxi is powered by electricity and produces zero harmful emissions, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional aircraft.

The vehicle is equipped with six rotors, four battery packs, and can carry up to four passengers plus a pilot. It has a range of 161 kilometres and a top speed of 322 km/h. The aerial taxi is also significantly quieter than conventional helicopters.

Dubai aerial taxi service to begin in 2026, connecting key city locations

The first routes are set to connect key locations around the city, including Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. A journey from the airport to Palm Jumeirah will take just 12 minutes, compared to the 45-minute drive by car.

The service will also integrate with other public transport systems and personal mobility options, such as e-scooters and bicycles, enhancing connectivity across the city.

To support the service, the first vertiport will be constructed, capable of handling 42,000 landings per year and serving approximately 170,000 passengers annually.

Joby Aviation will manage the vehicle operations and passenger logistics, while Skyports Infrastructure will design, construct, and operate the station infrastructure. RTA will ensure seamless integration with Dubai's broader transportation network.

"It is an honour to share our electric air taxi with the public through this exhibit, at a museum that is committed to advancing a more sustainable future for all. We plan to deliver an incredible experience for residents and visitors to Dubai, and we're excited to invite people into the conversation about what the future of clean, quiet and efficient air travel will look like when we launch our service," Anthony Khoury, UAE General Manager of Joby Aviation said.

This project is a key part of Dubai's broader Self-Driving Strategy, which aims to integrate various modes of transportation, including the metro, buses, and taxis, to create a more efficient and sustainable urban mobility system.