The UAE is about to transform inter-emirate travel with the introduction of an electric air taxi service connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai — significantly cutting travel time and easing road congestion.
This service will utilize “vertiports” for takeoff and landing in key locations like Abu Dhabi’s Al Bateen, Yas Island, and Khalifa Port, and Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Dubai International Airport.
What’s Launching?
- Archer Aviation’s eVTOL “Midnight” aircraft will begin commercial flights between the two emirates. Partnering with Falcon Aviation, they’re building vertiports at Atlantis, The Palm (Dubai) and Marina Mall heliport (Abu Dhabi).
- Piloted four-passenger flights are scheduled to start by late 2025
- Flight time: Only 20–30 minutes, compared to 90 minutes on the road
- Pricing:
- Within-city trips: Dhs300–350
- Abu Dhabi–Dubai: Dhs800–1,500
- What’s eVTOL stand for? Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL)
Strategic Infrastructure & Partnerships
- Vertiport network being established: Atlantis Palm (Dubai) & Marina Mall (Abu Dhabi)
- Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) supports manufacturing & launch operations in the capital
- ADNOC, Falcon Aviation & Archer partnering to drive UAE-wide air mobility
- Air corridor infrastructure is being mapped nationally to support eVTOL and drone routes by 2026
Advanced Aircraft & Tested Reliability
- The eVTOL “Midnight” completed critical transition tests (hover-to-forward flight at > 360 km/h)
- Over 400 test flights were conducted in 2024, achieving milestones in safety, endurance, and noise reduction
- The aircraft boasts multiple redundant rotors, ensuring safety even in unexpected failures
- Certification from FAA (US) secured, with GCAA (UAE) approval underway
Why It Matters
- Dramatic Commute Reductions
Travel time is slashed from 90 minutes by car to just 10–30 minutes by air - Premium Pricing, Premium Experience
Fares align with Uber Black, while delivering time value and comfort - Green & Quiet Transport
Fully electric and designed to reduce noise pollution — a cleaner alternative to helicopters - Innovative Infrastructure
Aerial corridors, vertiports, and regional regulators are aligning for a 2030-ready air mobility ecosystem
What’s Next
- Late 2025: Piloted services begin
- By 2026: Autonomous operations expected
Long-term vision:
UAE aims to be the world’s first country with full-scale, commercial eVTOL air taxi deployment