Dubai's Museum of the Future has unveiled a prototype of the aerial taxi developed by Joby Aviation in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The prototype, displayed on the museum’s Tomorrow, Today floor, aligns with Dubai’s vision to transform urban mobility and supports the Dubai Self-Driving Strategy, which aims for 25 percent of all trips to be self-driving by 2030.
Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, highlighted the significance of the initiative, saying, "We are honoured to showcase the aerial taxi model at the Museum of the Future, which underscores Dubai’s ambition and forward-thinking approach to redefining mobility in this vibrant city."
He confirmed that Dubai will be "the first city in the world to launch the aerial taxi project, with the service scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2026."
Majed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the Museum of the Future, said, "The Museum of the Future has become home to the aerial taxi prototype, reflecting Dubai’s pioneering leadership in shaping the future of transportation."
The Joby S4 aerial taxi is an all-electric vehicle that produces zero emissions, featuring six rotors, four battery packs, and the capacity to carry four passengers plus a pilot. With a range of 161 kilometres and a top speed of 322 km/h, the aerial taxi is significantly quieter than conventional helicopters.
Dubai’s aerial taxi service will connect key locations, including Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. The travel time from the airport to Palm Jumeirah is expected to be just 12 minutes, compared to a 45-minute car journey. The service will integrate with public transport systems, e-scooters and bicycles to enhance connectivity across the city.
The first vertiport will be constructed to support operations, capable of handling 42,000 landings per year and serving approximately 170,000 passengers annually. Introducing aerial taxis marks a major step towards Dubai’s commitment to sustainable and innovative urban transportation.