Joby Aviation completed its first piloted test flights of an electric air taxi in Dubai on Monday, marking a critical step toward launching commercial passenger service in the United Arab Emirates by early 2026.
The California-based company's aircraft successfully performed vertical takeoffs and landings as well as wingborne flights at Dubai's Jetman Helipad, representing what Joby calls the start of its "commercial market readiness efforts" in the region. The milestone positions Dubai to become one of the world's first cities to offer routine air taxi service to the public.
The Dubai flights included full transition maneuvers, where the aircraft shifts from vertical to horizontal flight—one of the most technically complex aspects of electric vertical takeoff and landing technology1. Joby conducted the tests in partnership with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority1.
"The United Arab Emirates is a launchpad for a global revolution in how we move," said JoeBen Bevirt, Joby's founder and CEO2. "Our flights and operational footprint in Dubai are a monumental step toward weaving air taxi services into the fabric of daily life worldwide."
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, witnessed the inaugural flights3. The RTA granted Joby exclusive operating rights in Dubai for six years under an agreement signed in 20244.
Joby plans to operate from four vertiports connecting Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Downtown12. Construction on the first commercial vertiport at Dubai International Airport is already underway, with completion scheduled for the first quarter of 20261.
The service promises to cut travel times dramatically—a journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah will take 12 minutes compared to 45 minutes by car32. Joby's aircraft can transport a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds up to 200 mph with a range of 100 miles24.
While Joby advances in Dubai, the company continues pursuing Federal Aviation Administration certification in the United States, where it expects to enter the final testing phase known as Type Inspection Authorization1. The company has raised more than $2 billion in funding from investors including Toyota and Delta Air Lines23.
Chinese manufacturer EHang's EH216-S already has commercial approval in China, while competitors like Archer Aviation are developing their own air taxi programs3. Paul Sciarra, chair of Joby's board, said the Dubai progress shifts public perception "from 'This is cool, but far off' to 'Wow, this is happening now'"1.
