Joby Aviation, a pioneering force in electric air taxis, has signed a definitive agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to introduce air taxi services in Dubai by early 2026. The agreement, inked at the World Governments Summit, grants Joby exclusive rights to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years, positioning the city as a global leader in fast, clean, and quiet air travel. Initial operations are targeted for 2025.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, attended the signing ceremony, emphasizing Dubai’s commitment to embracing sustainable air travel.
The agreement encompasses significant support from the RTA, including financial mechanisms, to facilitate the entry and maturation of Joby’s air taxi services in Dubai. Joby also signed an agreement with Skyports to design, build, and operate four initial vertiport sites at strategic locations in Dubai.
The selected launch locations include Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Downtown. Joby’s aircraft, capable of carrying a pilot and four passengers at speeds up to 200 miles per hour, is designed for efficient and swift urban transportation.
The collaboration between Joby, RTA, and Skyports aligns with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s vision for Dubai to be a global leader in air taxi introduction. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE is actively involved in regulatory frameworks to support the safe implementation of air taxis.
Joby plans to recruit locally for its operational team, contributing to the local economy. The company has established a local operating entity and is exploring broader operations across the UAE, recently participating in the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster established by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
In November 2023, Joby’s electric air taxi made history as the first to fly in New York City, marking a series of successes including production launch in California and the inaugural delivery to the U.S. Department of Defense. Joby, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, has garnered over $2 billion in funding from key investors such as Toyota, Delta Air Lines, SK Telecom, Uber, and Baillie Gifford.