More companies have expressed interest in launching flying taxi services in the UAE, according to a senior official. "We are in discussions with some other clients, but no formal agreements have been reached. Informal discussions are necessary to ensure the seriousness of the applicants and to meet other requirements, such as product certification. There are companies in the pipeline, but we are not yet ready to announce them," said Eng. Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director-General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Abu Dhabi and Dubai have partnered with flying car manufacturers Archer and Joby to introduce air taxi services early next year, as part of the government's initiative to establish an eco-friendly modern transport system. Once operational, the UAE will be among the first countries to offer flying air taxis. Currently, applications from two firms—Archer and Joby—are being reviewed by the GCAA, with plans to launch services in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in early 2026.
Given that eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) technology is relatively new, it presents a significant challenge for manufacturers, regulators, and operators. During a press conference announcing the 'Golden Package' for the private aviation sector, Al Zarouni highlighted that the UAE has been a pioneer in addressing eVTOL regulations for several years. The country will update its regulations to accommodate flying cars.
"When a new mode of transportation emerges, we need to assess what is available and develop rules that meet the purpose. Last year, we published rules for vertiports, which are unique. Few countries have a comprehensive understanding of how vertiports will be certified and operated safely," Al Zarouni said at the MEBAA 2024 exhibition in Dubai.
Al Zarouni also revealed that the GCAA is consulting with stakeholders to refine current regulations to make them practical and usable for air taxi operators. "By the first half of 2025, we aim to customize the existing rules for advanced air mobility to suit the needs. We plan to republish the current rules for Advanced Air Mobility around mid-2025. The current rule is called Unmanned Air Mobility, and we will rename it to Advanced Air Mobility," he added.
Additionally, Dubai has announced plans to construct vertiports for air taxi operations, with four planned in the initial phase, including one at Dubai International Airport. Al Zarouni noted that the GCAA is also considering the hybrid use of existing helipads as vertiports, which would require certification for both eVTOL and helicopter operations. The GCAA has already received consultation results from partners and stakeholders regarding hybrid utilization.
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