Dubai has completed its first flying taxi station, with commercial operations expected to begin by the end of the year, authorities in the Gulf emirate said on Thursday.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, visited the emirate’s first purpose-built electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) Air Taxi Station, according to a statement from Dubai’s media office.
Authorities described it as the “first of its kind in the world”. The facility covers four floors with a total area of 3,100 square metres. It includes a two-level car park, two air taxi take-off and landing pads, and dedicated charging infrastructure.
The station is located near the city’s international airport. It will function as the main hub for air taxi operations and is expected to handle up to 170,000 passengers annually, the statement said.
Authorities said three more flying taxi stations are planned.
The flights will be operated by Joby Aviation, a California-based firm that holds exclusive rights for six years.
Sheikh Hamdan said the launch of the air taxi infrastructure marks an important step in adopting sustainable transport and strengthening Dubai’s readiness for the future.
Dubai, the UAE’s most populous city, has positioned itself as a regional hub for business and tourism.
However, recent weeks saw regional tensions after attacks launched by Iran against Gulf neighbours in retaliation for a US-Israeli offensive. A two-week ceasefire has since taken effect.
