The world’s first large-scale air taxi service is preparing for take-off—right here in the UAE. With Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) targeting a 2026 launch for its aerial mobility network and Abu Dhabi not far behind, a once-futuristic concept is fast becoming a reality. Electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) will soon zip across urban skylines, linking airports to downtown districts and beachfronts in minutes.
For businesses, this is more than a headline-grabbing innovation. It’s a rare opportunity to become part of a new transport economy from day one—whether in operating aircraft, building vertiports, supplying support systems, or investing in local manufacturing. But with exclusive operating agreements, new regulations, and high compliance standards, being early isn’t enough—you need to be prepared.
Let’s explore everything you need to know to position your business for success in the UAE’s air-taxi and eVTOL landscape.
A New Era of Transport Is Taking Flight
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the first cities in the world to build an Urban Air Mobility (UAM) network with fully electric air taxis. Unlike helicopters, eVTOLs are quieter, cleaner, and designed for frequent short-range trips between city hubs. Most feature multiple rotors for vertical lift, battery-powered electric motors, and semi- or fully autonomous flight systems.
Dubai’s air-taxi strategy aligns with its 2030 Self-Driving Transport goal, targeting 25% of all trips to be autonomous, and positions the UAE as a testbed for global aviation innovation.
For investors, entrepreneurs, and aerospace suppliers, it’s an opportunity to join a market before it scales, with government support and regulatory certainty already in place.
What’s Happening Now Across the Emirates
Dubai’s Air Taxi Network Takes Shape
In early 2024, the RTA announced a landmark business partnership with Joby Aviation, a US-based company, and Skyports Infrastructure, a UK-based company. Joby will supply and operate a fleet of five-seat eVTOL aircraft (one pilot, four passengers), while Skyports will build and manage the city’s first four vertiports.
The initial stations—located at Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah—are strategically connected to high-traffic business, leisure, and residential zones. The RTA confirmed that these vertiports will be linked to metro stations and key road transit points to support multimodal commuting.
This public-private partnership comes with exclusive rights: Joby and Skyports have a six-year head start in Dubai. For businesses aiming to participate, this means aligning with the existing consortium—whether as subcontractors, infrastructure vendors, or technology partners—is key.
Abu Dhabi’s Vision for Aerial Mobility
Not to be outdone, Abu Dhabi is building a parallel ecosystem. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), in collaboration with Archer Aviation, is launching its own eVTOL initiative, partnering with local entities such as Falcon Aviation, Etihad Aviation Training, and Abu Dhabi Airports.
The capital’s first vertiport—a hybrid conversion of the existing heliport at Zayed Port’s cruise terminal—was approved by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in early 2025. This fast-tracked hub will serve as the launchpad for early operations, potentially before the end of 2025.
Abu Dhabi’s approach is more decentralised, aiming to build a full value chain across operations, manufacturing, and training. That spells an opportunity for new players willing to contribute specialised skills, technology, or investment.
Licensing and Regulatory Pathways You Need to Know
The UAE has emerged as a global leader in regulatory readiness for eVTOLs. Businesses must engage early with the correct authorities to navigate airworthiness certification, vertiport design approvals, and operator licensing.
How to Build a Certified Vertiport in the UAE
In 2022, the GCAA became the first aviation authority in the world to publish a dedicated vertiport regulation. This document outlines the requirements for:
- Physical layout and landing zone standards
- Firefighting and battery safety systems
- Integration with air traffic control (ATC)
- Passenger screening and access control
- Charging infrastructure for electric aircraft
Dubai’s vertiports—now in the design and approval phase—are reviewed by the GCAA, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS). In Abu Dhabi, similar oversight is provided by the GCAA and Global Air Navigation Services (GANS). Developers must submit architectural, operational, and safety plans to receive a vertiport certificate.
Getting Your eVTOL Aircraft Approved
Any eVTOL flying in the UAE must be certified for airworthiness. The GCAA is expected to validate approvals from major regulators, such as the FAA (USA) or EASA (Europe), with possible climate-specific adaptations for the UAE’s heat and dust conditions.
Key steps include:
- Type certification (usually through FAA/EASA)
- GCAA validation of type certificate
- Registration of aircraft in the UAE
- Issuance of certificate of airworthiness
Companies planning to import or operate eVTOLs should initiate dialogue with the GCAA early and budget for additional testing or modifications as required.
Launching an Air Taxi Operation
To operate eVTOL services commercially, businesses must obtain an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the GCAA. This involves:
- Establishing a UAE-based entity
- Meeting safety and maintenance standards
- Employing qualified flight crews (or remote pilots, pending regulation)
- Demonstrating financial and operational readiness
Dubai’s RTA has given Joby exclusive operating rights through 2030, but other Emirates (including Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah) remain open to new entrants. Cargo eVTOL operations or niche tourism routes may also offer entry points outside exclusive passenger zones.
Business Opportunities in the UAE’s Air Mobility Ecosystem
From infrastructure to innovation, the UAE’s UAM sector is open to businesses that can add value to a complex, safety-critical network.
Vertiport Infrastructure and Real Estate
Property developers, construction firms, and parking operators are exploring vertiport retrofits—particularly on rooftops of malls, hotels, or multistorey carparks. Skyports, for example, has already partnered with UAE parking operator Parkin for joint development.
Future expansion could include:
- Dedicated resort or theme park vertiports
- Real estate projects with integrated aerial transit
- Inter-city vertiports for long-range eVTOLs
Developers must align with GCAA specifications and local planning authorities for airspace compatibility.
Supporting the Air Taxi Supply Chain
Businesses can supply essential support systems such as:
- High-speed charging stations
- Aircraft battery maintenance
- Ground handling and turnaround services
- Safety systems for passenger terminals
With limited local expertise in eVTOL maintenance, service providers with experience in aviation or electric vehicle systems are well-positioned to enter the market.
Becoming a Service Operator or Innovator
While passenger services in Dubai are off-limits until 2030, there are several untapped niches:
- Tourism flights in less congested airspace
- Drone cargo deliveries under experimental licences
- Emergency medical or VIP charter services
The UAE’s RegLab offers temporary licences for experimental projects. If your business model involves innovation, this could be your entry path into early-stage testing.
What’s Coming Next: From Pilot Flights to Mass Adoption
2025–2026: From Showcase to Service
By late 2025, expect public demo flights and controlled launch operations between Dubai’s key hubs. Abu Dhabi is targeting a similar timeline, with early routes linking Zayed Port to city attractions or the airport.
Commercial services will initially operate with human pilots on board, subject to strict weather limitations, and prioritise premium convenience for airport transfers and business travel.
2027–2030: Expansion and Autonomy
As infrastructure matures and battery technology improves, services will:
- Scale to more routes and cities
- Introduce additional fleet types
- Begin testing autonomous flight corridors
- Integrate with wider transport systems
Dubai’s exclusivity agreements are set to expire in 2030, likely opening the door to new entrants and competitive services.
How to Position Your Business Now
If you’re looking to enter the UAM space in the UAE, here’s where to start:
- Engage with regulators: Attend GCAA workshops or RTA consultations to stay informed and informed.
- Align with partners: Determine whether your business aligns with Joby, Skyports, Archer, or local operators such as Falcon Aviation.
- Build a local presence: Obtaining a UAE trade licence and establishing local operations will strengthen your credibility.
- Pursue RegLab opportunities: Propose an innovative test project with societal or sustainability benefits.
Being early is no guarantee—but being prepared, connected, and compliant will make all the difference.
The Sky Is Open for Business
The UAE isn’t waiting for the rest of the world to catch up—it’s building the future of transport now. With its forward-thinking regulators, committed infrastructure investments, and global partnerships, the country is set to lead the eVTOL revolution.
For those ready to think bigger than roads, this is your call to action. Whether you want to fly, build, support, or supply—there’s a place in the sky for your business.
Thinking of launching your own business in the UAE’s air mobility space? Virtuzone can help you navigate trade licences, regulatory compliance, and corporate structuring—so you’re cleared for take-off. Speak to a UAE business setup expert today.
