Flying taxis are one step closer to taking off in Dubai

Dubai is moving at lightning speed, with major transport megaprojects gaining momentum, and one to watch is the flying taxi.

What began as a vision back in 2017 is slowly coming to life, and the futuristic concept is now edging closer to take-off.

The RTA shared a video showcasing the flying taxi in the Museum of the Future. 

Here’s what we know about the flying taxis so far

Each aircraft can accommodate four passengers and a pilot, working in a similar way to a conventional taxi. Additionally, there will be space for four carry-on bags.

The aircraft are fully electric, producing zero emissions and aligning with the UAE’s green mobility strategy. And if you’re concerned about noise, there’s little to worry about – the Joby aircraft is designed for low sound levels, operating at around 65 dBA, similar to a moderately busy café or restaurant.

The aircraft will be able to reach speeds of up to 320 kilometres per hour, and since you’ll be avoiding the traffic, you will be saving on travel time.

Just how much time will you save? Well, for example, travel time between DXB and Palm Jumeirah will be cut from 45 minutes by car to just 10 to 12 minutes.

Four stations confirmed

VERTIPORT DUBAI FLYING TAXI

In the initial phase, we have four confirmed stations, or Vertiports.

They will be located:

  • Near Dubai International Airport
  • Dubai Mall
  • Palm Jumeirah
  • Sheikh Zayed Road, in front of American University Dubai (next to Al Furjan Metro Station)

Speaking on the exhibition, Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency, stated that it serves as a source of inspiration for the RTA to explore new ideas and consider how we can apply futuristic concepts to further develop Dubai’s transport ecosystem.’

How will bookings work?

Joby previously stated they had teamed up with Uber, so when the air taxi service launches, you will be able to book your trip in the same way as a taxi via the app. You will also be able to book via the official RTA app, and Joby will also be working on creating their own Joby app which will launch soon.

Once your booking is done, you will turn up at the vertiport and go through a terminal before boarding your aircraft. The boarding process will be around five minutes. Once at the destination, Joby will be able to connect you to an Uber so you can reach your final destination in a seamless journey.

How much will flying taxis in Dubai cost?

When the flying taxis were in the works, Joby stated that the costs of using a flying taxi would be around the same price as an Uber Black per trip. However, when it is launched, it may be slightly more, but in order to be competitive with regular land taxis, the prices will slowly reduce.

If flying taxis still feel like something out of the future, it’s worth remembering the words of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: “The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it,” and “The future does not wait. The future can be designed and built today.”

These lines are also famously featured in the Arabic calligraphy at the Museum of the Future – making it fitting that Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has chosen the landmark to exhibit a flying taxi.

Stay tuned! We will let you know when the flying taxis take to the skies.

Images: Dubai Media Office