Dubai is gearing up for the future by eagerly embracing the concept of sustainable urban transportation and advanced aerial mobility (AAM) solutions. The emirate recently announced its plans to pilot air taxis, and this cutting-edge development is set to take center stage at the 2023 edition of the Dubai Airshow.

The event, which will be held from November 13 to 17 at Dubai World Central (DWC), will focus on the theme ‘The Future of the Aerospace Industry’, and will feature a dedicated AAM pavilion. This pavilion will showcase a wide array of aerial transport solutions, from drones and UAVs to electric vertical take-off and landing aircrafts (eVTOLs). The event will also include a flying display by eVTOL craft, as well as an AAM conference where industry experts will share insights on the transformative technologies and infrastructure needed to support the widespread adoption of AAM.

Dubai’s commitment to AAM is driven by its vision for a sustainable, efficient, and interconnected future. The use of aerial taxis is particularly important in addressing environmental concerns. By reducing traffic congestion and getting cars off the road, these flying taxis have the potential to significantly cut down greenhouse gas emissions. With the global AAM market projected to reach $110 billion by 2035, Dubai is positioning itself as a leader in this sector.

Earlier this year, Dubai announced plans to launch air taxis in just over three years, with vertiports set to spring up across the city as part of an air mobility infrastructure network. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority and the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub have also joined forces to establish the world’s first AAM integrator world center in Dubai, which aims to further strengthen the city’s standing in the AAM sector.

The realization of aerial taxis will make Dubai the first city to have a fully developed network of vertiports, connecting key areas in the emirate. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is also working on devising a comprehensive framework for introducing aerial taxis, including identifying take-off and landing sites and ensuring safe and efficient operations.

Dubai’s proactive approach to embracing new technologies while prioritizing sustainability and the wellbeing of its residents clearly demonstrates its readiness to lead the way in the AAM industry. With its visionary planning and infrastructure development, Dubai is certainly on track to revolutionize urban transportation through the deployment of aerial taxis.