Joby Aerial Taxi conducts first test flight in Dubai

Dubai has successfully conducted the region’s first test flight of the Joby Aerial Taxi, marking a significant milestone in the emirate’s efforts to redefine urban mobility and integrate cutting-edge, eco-friendly transportation systems.

The announcement was made on Monday by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council. Taking to his official X account, Sheikh Hamdan described the achievement as a “major step” toward launching full aerial taxi operations next year.

“Dubai has successfully completed the region’s first test flight of the Joby Aerial Taxi,” he said.

“Conducted through a collaboration between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and Joby Aviation, the test flight marks a major step toward launching full operations next year.”

The all-electric, vertical take-off and landing aircraft — developed by California-based Joby Aviation — promises to slash travel times, reduce emissions, and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable urban transit ecosystem.

Calling it “a new leap in eco-friendly urban mobility,” Sheikh Hamdan noted that the initiative supports the UAE’s broader vision of becoming a global hub for innovation and the adoption of transformative technologies.

“Our nation's skies have opened to new possibilities,” he said. “And the best is yet to come.”

Dubai’s embrace of aerial mobility comes as part of a larger strategy to revolutionise transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and position the city at the forefront of next-generation infrastructure and smart city planning.