Dubai Leads Mobility Innovation with First Joby Air Taxi Test Flight

In a major step towards launching Aerial Taxi services, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Joby Aviation, has announced the successful completion of the region’s first test flight of the Joby Aerial Taxi. The trial was carried out at a designated desert site in Dubai.

Speaking about the achievement, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, stated, “Dubai continues to take the lead in defining the future of transport, following the strategic direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“This accomplishment also demonstrates our commitment to positioning the UAE at the cutting edge of transformative technologies that propel global progress. The successful test flight of the aerial taxi highlights our dedication to converting pioneering innovations into real-world solutions that improve quality of life and establish new global standards for urban advancement.”

He further noted, “In line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the UAE’s broader sustainable development goals, the integration of aerial mobility into our transport framework is an essential move towards building infrastructure tailored to the needs of future generations. Our efforts are focused on making daily life more convenient, unlocking fresh prospects, and further solidifying Dubai’s status as the world’s leading city for living, working, and tourism.”

The test flight was observed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the RTA; Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority; Ahmed Ali Al Balqeizi, Executive Director of the Aviation Safety and Environment Sector – Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; and Ibrahim Hussain Ahli, Executive Director – Dubai Air Navigation Services.