DUBAI: Dubai is set to introduce air taxis by the first quarter of 2026, according to Khaled Al Awadhi, director of transport technologies at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
This innovative initiative is part of the city's strategy to enhance urban mobility and reduce traffic congestion, reported Sputnik.
"We have a plan to launch air taxi service by the first quarter of 2026. Currently, we are working on testing and certifying the vehicle with our partner, Joby Aviation, a US company. Additionally, we are entering the design phase for the vertiport stations with Skyports, a UK company that will develop the vertiports," Al Awadhi said.
He added that the UAE city plans to build four vertical airports for air taxis, with two of them set to open by early 2026. Apart from the infrastructure, a monitoring and safety system for air taxis will be established.
SPONSORED CONTENT Sinyi Group Founder, Chou Chun-Chi, Wins 2024 Asia Pacific Enterprise Award and Expands Sustainable Tourism Ventures in Sabah, Malaysia Kota Kinabalu: The 2024 Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards, hosted by Enterprise Asia, aims to recognize the most outstanding business leaders and organizations in the Asia-Pacific region. Read more "We are working with our partners to make this service as accessible as possible. We believe it will be much cheaper than using regular helicopters," Al Awadhi said, adding that at the cost of the service will be cheaper or about the same as the price of renting a limousine.
As for autonomous taxi cars developed in collaboration with General Motors, they are expected to start operating in Dubai by 2025, he said. The taxis are currently being tested.
In addition, Dubai plans to make limousine service fully environmentally friendly by 2026 through hybrid and electric engines. By 2035, all Dubai taxis are expected to be electric, and by 2050, the entire bus fleet will consist solely of electric buses, Al Awadhi said.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
