UAE to Launch First Air Taxi Service in Dubai & Ras Al Khaimah by 2027

The UAE’s Big Leap into Air Mobility

The UAE has never been shy about innovation. From building the world’s tallest tower to running driverless metro systems, the country has a knack for turning ambitious dreams into reality. Now, it’s setting its sights on the skies with urban air mobility (UAM).

^{By 2027, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah will become home to the region’s first air taxi routes. These flying taxis aren’t just helicopters with a new name—they’re electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) designed to be safer, quieter, and more sustainable.}

Who’s Behind the Air Taxi Service?

Behind every game-changing project, there’s a solid partnership. The UAE’s air taxi initiative involves global and local players working hand-in-hand.

• Skyports Infrastructure: A UK-based company, leading in designing and operating “vertiports” (air taxi terminals).
• Joby Aviation: A U.S. eVTOL aircraft maker, famous for its sleek, battery-powered aircraft that can fly at high speeds with minimal noise.
• Government of Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah: Offering regulatory support, ensuring the skies are ready for these futuristic rides.

^{This collaboration puts the UAE in line with other forward-thinking cities like Paris, Singapore, and Los Angeles—places already exploring air taxis as a mode of transport.}

Why Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah?

You might be wondering—why launch in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah first?

Well, Dubai is the UAE’s innovation hub and already a testbed for autonomous vehicles and drones. It makes sense to start there. On the other hand, Ras Al Khaimah is emerging as a hot tourist destination, known for its luxury resorts and adventure tourism. Connecting the two cities by air taxi not only makes travel faster but also boosts tourism in RAK.

^{Imagine a tourist landing in Dubai and then flying directly to Jebel Jais, RAK’s famous mountain, without sitting through a 90-minute drive. That’s a game-changer.}

What Will Air Taxis Look Like?

The aircraft chosen for the service will be Joby Aviation’s eVTOLs. These futuristic rides are designed to carry four passengers plus a pilot and can:

• Reach speeds of up to 320 km/h
• Travel distances of 150–200 km on a single charge
• Operate with low noise levels, making them quieter than helicopters

Plus, they’ll take off and land vertically, just like a drone. That means no need for long runways—just compact vertiports across the cities.