Dubai air taxi fares could eventually match Uber, Careem, says RTA CEO

Dubai’s upcoming Joby Aviation air taxi service aims to become a cost-effective alternative to traditional transport, with long-term fares expected to be comparable to ride-hailing services such as Uber or Careem, a top Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) official said.
While pricing has not yet been finalised, Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency at the RTA, said the service will initially be cheaper than helicopters, offering a more accessible option for residents and visitors.
“People ask a lot about how much it will cost. We have not decided the price yet, but it will be cheaper than helicopters today in Dubai. The aim and the vision is for it to eventually, after a few years, be equivalent to almost an Uber or Careem trip in the city,” Bahrozyan said on the sidelines of Dubai Airshow.

Asked how the prices will come down, Bahrozyan explained: “Building these aircrafts is going to be expensive initially; operating them is also expensive. Eventually, with economies of scale, prices will come down, operations cost will decrease, and the technology will improve. Therefore, it will become more affordable for people. So, with expansion and affordability, we believe that the service will grow more popular.”
The service is part of Dubai’s broader strategy to integrate air taxis into the city’s public transport network, alongside buses, metro, and taxis.
After trials in the desert, Joby recently completed a landmark flight test, becoming the first electric air taxi company to conduct a point-to-point flight in the UAE. Visitors to the Dubai Airshow have the chance to see Joby’s aircraft in action.