Dubai’s Electric Flying Taxis

Joby has signed a definitive agreement with the Dubai government to operate air taxis for six years starting from 2026.

2026 may seem far away, but when it comes to a revolution like air taxis, it’s already tomorrow. The agreement was signed during the World Government Summit in Dubai in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. Clearly, the right person to speak to. This historic contract grants Joby exclusive rights to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years.

It will position Dubai as a global leader in fast, clean, and quiet air transportation made possible by Joby’s revolutionary technology. The agreement ensures various supports, primarily financial, to develop this service within a few months.

Who says taxis, says stations

Joby has partnered with Skyports to design, build, and operate the first four vertiport sites—stations for the air taxis able to accommodate these marvelous flying machines. The four chosen sites are Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and an in-city center location. For example, a trip between Dubai International Airport and Palm Jumeirah should take only 10 minutes, compared to 45 minutes by car, without traffic. The eVTOL can travel 240 kilometers at a top speed of 320 km/h.

Dubai ahead of New York

This is a highly symbolic small victory for the United Arab Emirates. In November 2023, a taxi from the company flew over the skies of New York, while one had been delivered to the U.S. Department of Defense two months earlier. It was then imaginable that Uncle Sam’s country was in a strong position to be the first to inaugurate such a service forever. Sadly, American hesitations have exhausted Joby’s patience, leading the company to yield to Emirati appeals.

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