Joby’s eVTOL lifts off in Dubai as UAE gears up for air taxi launch
June 30, 2025
EVTOL developer Joby has completed a series of piloted, vertical-takeoff-and-landing flights in Dubai, marking what it says is the start of its “commercial market readiness efforts in the region”.
Joby said the milestone included wingborne test flights, meaning the eVTOL generated lift from the wings rather than thrust from the rotors.
The development is a significant step forward both for the California-headquartered advanced air mobility (AAM) company, and the eVTOL sector.
Joby hopes to carry the first passengers on its eVTOL craft by next year.
Air taxi services edge closer in Dubai
Services linking Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Downtown are earmarked for the launch, with vertiport construction already underway.
“The United Arab Emirates is a launchpad for a global revolution in how we move,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation.
“In addition to building a performant aircraft, we’ve also been maturing our programme for anticipated passenger service with global operational capabilities and scalable, durable manufacturing.
“Our flights and operational footprint in Dubai are a monumental step toward weaving air taxi services into the fabric of daily life worldwide.
“With our visionary partners, we’re igniting a future where quiet, clean flight is the new normal, and we’re demonstrating the leadership of American innovation on the global stage.”
Those partners include Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
In fact, Joby agreed in 2024 with the RTA that it would have exclusive rights to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years.
A journey from DXB to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take only 12 minutes versus a 45-minute car ride, using Joby’s aircraft which carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph.
Years of testing
“The start of commercial market readiness work in Dubai builds on nearly two years of hot weather trials at Edwards Air Force Base in the United States and demonstrates new levels of operational capacity, scaling the capabilities of logistics and Joby team members,” the company said.
“With a 15-year track record of engineering excellence, more than 40,000 miles of flight testing, successful piloted transition flights, and proven multi-aircraft operations, Joby continues to move closer to its vision of making clean, quiet, and fast air travel an everyday reality.”
UAE leads on AAM
Mattar Al Tayer, director general, chairman of the board of executive directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, added: “The launch of the air taxi’s trial operation reflects UAE leadership’s vision to advance sustainable and innovative mobility across all public and shared transport modes.
“It underscores Dubai’s commitment to keeping pace with rapid global transformations and developing future-ready solutions to emerging mobility challenges.
“The air taxi will introduce a new premium service for residents and visitors seeking smooth, fast, and safe travel to key destinations across the city.
“The service will also strengthen integration with public transport systems and individual mobility options such as e-scooters and bicycles, enabling seamless multimodal travel and enhanced connectivity across Dubai, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience for all passengers.”
