Air taxis: UAE sets stage to pioneer eVTOL commercial services

The UAE is poised to clinch a lead role in urban air transport revolution, with the rollout of next-generaiton air taxi services, expected before 2025 is out.

Both Archer and Joby, two of the world's leading electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developers, are accelerating their plans to launch commercial air taxi services in the UAE by late 2025.

Why the UAE?

Thanks to its supportive regulatory framework and strategic partnerships, the Emirates has become a first-to-market platform for a game-changer in urban air mobility.

Early adoption

It signals the early adoption of eVTOL: the fly-like-a-plane-take-off/land-like-a-chopper battery-driven era in air transport.

In practical terms, given the advances in energy storage, the electric air taxi service could potentially cut travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to 30 minutes.

On the global stage, eVTOLs could do for cities what subways did in the 20th century — radically expand how we move and live. 

In urban cores, it could cut commutes, lower emissions and reduce congestion.

Investments, strategic partnerships

In terms of regulations and infrastructure, the UAE is setting the pace on the global stage.

Archer Aviation already has a significant presence in the country through strategic partnerships and substantial investments to put its Archer "Midnight" eVTOL aircraft, with speeds of up to 150 mph (241 km/h), to work.

Vertiports, manufacturing, pilot training

In April 2024, Archer signed a multi-hundred-million-dollar framework agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to support the development of "vertiports", local manufacturing, and pilot training.

This collaboration positions Abu Dhabi as Archer’s first international launch market. 

The Archer-Etihad Aviation Training partnership aims to recruit and train pilots for its Midnight aircraft.

Their target date to commence operations: 2025. 

Additionally, Archer is working with Falcon Aviation to develop vertiport infrastructure at key locations, including Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai and Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi.

Hybrid vertiport

On April 30, 2025 the UAE’s General Civial Aviation Authority (GCAA) approved the design of a “hybrid infrastructure” for an Archer/Falcon helicopter/eVTOL vertiport at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal. 

The company told Aviation News that once complete, this site will be the first in the UAE ready for eVTOL aircraft and will offer direct access to:

• Abu Dhabi Port

• The Louvre Abu Dhabi,

• Saadiyat Island, and

• The Abu Dhabi Corniche.

Archer stated that the GCAA has become the “first civil aviation authority in the world” to create regulatory standards for hybrid infrastructure. 

After consulting with the industry, these proposed standards are being finalised and are expected to be published by July 2025.

Charging the air taxis

Archer and its partners plan to add charging infrastructure and upgrade landing and safety systems for use by eVTOL aircraft. 

By upgrading an existing facilities, instead of building fresh ones, Archer said it be able to deliver a world-class vertiport in less time. 

The cruise terminal attracts more than 650,000 visitors annually. 

Joby moves in

Joby Aviation, another US-based air taxi developer, is also making significant strides in the UAE. 

The company has applied for certification to operate commercial air transport services in the country and is also collaborating with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to define regulatory frameworks.

Joby's eVTOL aircraft is capable of carrying a pilot and four passengers at speeds up to 321 km/h (200 mph) with a range of 160 km (100 miles).

In partnership with Jetex, a global leader in executive aviation, Joby plans to integrate its electric air taxis into Jetex's VIP terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai and Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi. 

This collaboration aims to provide sustainable and efficient urban air mobility solutions across the UAE.

It’s clear that both companies are leveraging the UAE's progressive stance towards advancing air mobility based on eVTOL technology. 

Kitty Hawk moment

This year could prove to be a watershed or “Kitty Hawk moment” in the UAE, with the launch of commercial eVTOL air taxis.