eVTOL Rivals Push Ahead With Air Taxi Plans in the UAE

U.S. eVTOL leaders Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation are moving quickly to establish air taxi services in the UAE, utilizing Dubai and Abu Dhabi as early testing grounds while they continue to work toward FAA certification for their aircraft.

Joby Marks First Point-to-Point eVTOL Flight in the UAE

At the Dubai Airshow, Joby showcased one of its test aircraft and announced the UAE’s first point-to-point eVTOL flight—a 17-minute hop from its Margham facility to Al Maktoum International Airport. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, along with Skyports Infrastructure, also confirmed initial vertiport locations at:

• Dubai International Airport

• Dubai Mall

• Atlantis The Royal on Palm Jumeirah

• American University of Dubai

  
  

Joby is collaborating with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority on a “qualification program” and plans to expand local flight testing soon, potentially including limited passenger flights before full certification.

Archer Completes Test Campaign in Abu Dhabi

Archer reported the completion of in-country flight tests with its Midnight aircraft in Abu Dhabi, covering vertical takeoff, transition, and wingborne flight. The campaign, overseen by the Integrated Transport Centre and supported by the GCAA, triggered the company’s first payments from local partner Abu Dhabi Aviation.

Archer is also preparing for commercial launch through pilot training with Etihad Aviation Training and vertiport development supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, including planned sites at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal and the Cleveland Clinic.

Why the UAE?

Both companies see the UAE—particularly Dubai—as an ideal early market thanks to rapid population growth, tourism demand, and heavy road traffic. Joby holds a six-year exclusive agreement for eVTOL services in Dubai and is targeting routes between the main airport and major attractions, with future expansions likely.