On November 17, 2025, Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY) announced a significant milestone in the development of its electric air taxi network in Dubai. In collaboration with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Skyports Infrastructure, Joby revealed plans for its next three vertiport locations: the American University of Dubai, Atlantis the Royal, and the Dubai Mall. These sites are strategically chosen to facilitate high-speed, emissions-free connections across some of the city’s most iconic destinations.

1. Landmark Flight Test Completed

Joby Aviation also celebrated a historic achievement with the successful completion of its first point-to-point flight test in the UAE. On November 9, Joby’s aircraft landed at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) after a 17-minute piloted flight from its test facility in Margham. This accomplishment not only underscores Joby’s preparedness for commercial operations but also highlights its capability to navigate shared airspace effectively.

Tens of thousands of attendees at the Dubai Airshow this week will witness Joby’s aircraft in action, with daily demonstration flights scheduled throughout the event.

2. Strong Support from RTA

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, emphasized the importance of this milestone for Dubai's innovation landscape. He stated, “The successful completion of the first crewed flight of the electric aerial taxi marks a new milestone in Dubai’s distinguished record of leadership and innovation.” Al Tayer highlighted that this achievement aligns with RTA’s operational framework and sets the stage for further integration of smart mobility systems throughout the emirate.

He also noted RTA's commitment to the commercial launch of the aerial taxi service by 2026, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for innovative urban mobility solutions.

3. Vision for Urban Air Mobility

JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, expressed enthusiasm about the progress made in partnership with RTA and other stakeholders. “From flight demonstrations to infrastructure, we're making incredible progress on all fronts as we look ahead to launching commercial passenger service in Dubai next year,” he remarked. Bevirt emphasized that the collaboration has streamlined the development of the world’s first air taxi service, bringing urban air transport closer to reality for residents and visitors across the UAE.

4. Strategic Vertiport Locations

The announcement of the new vertiports marks a significant step in establishing a comprehensive air taxi network in Dubai. The selected locations are:

Dubai Mall: Renowned as the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, the mall attracted nearly 111 million visitors in 2024, making it a prime site for air taxi operations.

Atlantis the Royal: This landmark resort on Palm Jumeirah offers unparalleled access to premier beachfront destinations, world-class dining, and entertainment.

American University of Dubai: Positioned to service Dubai Marina’s vibrant community and Dubai Internet City’s corporate districts, this location enhances the network’s reach.

These vertiports, alongside the one set to open at Dubai International Airport in early 2026, will form the backbone of Joby’s air taxi service as it prepares for its anticipated launch.

5. Conclusion: Pioneering Sustainable Urban Transport

Joby Aviation continues to position itself at the forefront of urban air mobility, with its innovative electric air taxis set to revolutionize transportation in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. As Joby moves toward its 2026 launch, the collaboration with Dubai's RTA and other partners signifies a shared commitment to sustainable and efficient urban transport solutions, further solidifying Dubai's status as a leader in future mobility trials.

Original press release