Flying Taxis May Take Off From Dubai Mall Soon
Dubai’s busiest mall could double as a vertiport as electric air taxis move closer to launch.
Dubai’s flying taxi plans are getting very real—and Dubai Mall may be right at the center of it all.
First teased back in 2024, all-electric air taxis are now edging closer to launch, with Joby Aviation working alongside Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Skyports Infrastructure to build the city’s first vertiport network. If things stay on track, the service could launch by the end of this year.
Why Dubai Mall Is a Key Location
Dubai Mall isn’t just a shopping hotspot—it’s also expected to become a major vertiport hub in Joby’s initial network. The location would act as a gateway to Downtown Dubai, connecting residents and tourists to key financial, tourism, and residential areas without sitting in traffic.
Joby recently showcased a full-scale electric air taxi mock-up at the mall, giving the public a close-up look at the aircraft and its quiet, zero-emission design.
What These Flying Taxis Can Do
Each flying taxi is designed to carry one pilot and four passengers, flying at speeds of up to 320 km/h.
That means a trip from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah could drop from around 45 minutes by car to just 10–12 minutes in the air, according to Joby Aviation’s Middle East general manager.
The goal is simple: faster city travel and smoother airport connections.
How Booking Will Work
Booking a flying taxi should feel familiar. Joby has partnered with Uber, meaning trips can be booked through the Uber app once the service launches. Bookings will also be available via the RTA app, with a dedicated Joby app in the works.
After booking, passengers will head to the vertiport, pass through a short terminal process, and board their aircraft. The entire boarding process is expected to take around five minutes. Once you land, Joby plans to connect you straight to an Uber for the final leg of your journey.
What About the Price?
Joby has previously said fares are expected to be similar to Uber Black pricing per trip. Early on, prices may be slightly higher, but the plan is to gradually lower costs to stay competitive with regular taxis as the service scales.
If Dubai Mall does become a vertiport, grabbing a coffee, shopping, and then flying across the city could soon be part of a very normal day in Dubai.