Dubai Unveils Aerial Taxi Prototype at Museum of the Future
News Desk
Islamabad: Dubai has taken a major step toward the future of urban mobility with the unveiling of an ‘aerial taxi prototype’ at the Museum of the Future.
Developed by Joby Aviation in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), this innovative electric air taxi marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s Self-Driving Strategy, which aims to make 25% of all trips in the city autonomous by 2030.
The prototype is currently showcased at the museum’s Tomorrow, Today exhibition, offering visitors a glimpse into cutting-edge advancements in transportation. The initiative is part of Dubai’s broader vision to integrate smart, sustainable, and self-driving transport solutions into its infrastructure.
A Game-Changer in Urban Mobility
The Joby S4 aerial taxi is an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, designed to reduce carbon emissions and provide a quieter alternative to traditional helicopters. Key features include:
Capacity: 4 passengers + 1 pilot
Range: 161 kilometers (100 miles)
Maximum Speed: 322 km/h (200 mph)
Zero Emissions: Fully electric, producing no harmful emissions
Safety & Comfort: Equipped with six rotors and four battery packs, ensuring stability, safety, and a smooth ride.
Unlike traditional air travel, the aerial taxi will operate using pre-mapped aerial corridors, ensuring efficient, congestion-free transportation across the city.
Launch Timeline & Planned Routes
The first phase of Dubai’s aerial taxi service is expected to launch in early 2026, with initial routes connecting key locations, including:
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Dubai Marina
Palm Jumeirah
The taxis will provide on-demand air travel, significantly reducing travel time between major destinations. For example, a journey that typically takes 45 minutes by car could be completed in 10–15 minutes via aerial taxi.
Dubai’s Vision for Air Mobility
Dubai is positioning itself as a global leader in advanced air mobility (AAM).The UAE government has already begun mapping air corridors for aerial taxis and cargo drones, with regulations expected to be finalized within the next 20 months.
This initiative aligns with the Emirates’ strategy to integrate autonomous, electric, and AI-driven transport solutions into everyday life.
Khalid Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, stated “Dubai is set to become the first city in the world to launch an aerial taxi service, redefining urban mobility. This project reflects Dubai’s ambition and commitment to future-forward transportation solutions.”
Similarly, Majed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the Museum of the Future, emphasized “The Museum of the Future is proud to be home to this groundbreaking aerial taxi prototype. This reflects Dubai’s leadership in shaping the future of mobility, making travel faster, safer, and more sustainable.”
Global Implications & Industry Impact
The Joby S4 aerial taxi is part of a growing eVTOL industry, which is expected to revolutionize urban transport worldwide. Joby Aviation, a California-based company founded in 2009, has been at the forefront of electric aviation.
The company is planning to launch commercial aerial taxi services in Dubai by late 2025, ahead of the official public rollout in 2026.
Dubai’s pioneering efforts in aerial taxis are expected to serve as a blueprint for other global cities, encouraging the widespread adoption of electric, autonomous air transport in the coming years.
The prototype will remain on display at the Museum of the Future, allowing residents and visitors to experience the future of transportation firsthand.
