Joby Aviation has marked a major step forward in Dubai’s advanced air mobility plans, confirming three new vertiport sites while completing the UAE’s first piloted point-to-point air taxi flight. The announcement was made on 17 November 2025 during the Dubai Airshow, where the company is conducting daily demonstration flights.

The new vertiports—located at the American University of Dubai, Atlantis the Royal, and the Dubai Mall—will be developed in partnership with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Skyports Infrastructure. The sites will support Joby’s six-year exclusive agreement with the RTA to establish electric air taxi services across the emirate, offering high-speed, emissions-free transport between key destinations.

The announcement accompanies Joby’s milestone flight on 9 November, when the company completed a 17-minute piloted mission from its test facility in Margham to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). The test flight represents the first point-to-point electric air taxi flight in the UAE and demonstrates the aircraft’s readiness for integration into shared airspace. Tens of thousands of visitors at the Dubai Airshow will witness further demonstration flights throughout the week.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said the first crewed electric aerial taxi flight “marks a new milestone in Dubai’s distinguished record of leadership and innovation.” He noted that the achievement underscores the effectiveness of the RTA’s framework for developing Dubai’s aerial mobility ecosystem and strengthens global confidence in the emirate’s regulatory and technological environment. Al Tayer confirmed the RTA remains on track for a commercial launch of aerial taxi services in 2026.

JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, highlighted the company’s progress across operations, infrastructure and regulatory preparation. “By working alongside the RTA, other government agencies and infrastructure partners, we’ve been able to streamline development of the world’s first air taxi service and are closer than ever to making urban air transport an everyday reality for residents and visitors across the UAE,” he said.

The three new vertiports have been selected in partnership with major Dubai property developers—Emaar Properties, Atlantis The Royal, and Wasl Asset Management Group:

• Dubai Mall: Positioned at the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, which attracted nearly 111 million visitors in 2024.
• Atlantis the Royal: A global landmark on Palm Jumeirah with direct access to major beachfront and leisure attractions.
• American University of Dubai: Strategically located to serve Dubai Marina’s residential and entertainment district and Dubai Internet City’s technology hub.

These locations join the upcoming vertiport at Dubai International Airport, scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026. Together, they will form the initial network supporting Joby’s commercial air taxi service, set to launch the same year.