Abu Dhabi will introduce the first flying taxis in 2026

Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Archer Aviation have signed an agreement to launch flying taxis in Abu Dhabi by 2026. This exciting innovation will strengthen the emirate’s position as a major international hub for smart driverless transport.

The air taxi will be developed by Archer Aviation, which is a leader in the field of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aeroplanes. The company’s key product is a four-seat human-piloted aircraft, called Midnight, that boasts minimal recharging time between flights. It is expected that the air taxi flight time will be just 10–20 minutes’ versus a 60–90 minute journey by car.

The UAE will become Archer Aviation’s first international market outside the USA, and the company will cooperate with local and international partners, including Stellantis. A memorandum of understanding has already been signed with Falcon Aviation, which will operate flying taxis in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is suggesting that Archer Aviation establish its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) in the forward thinking district of Masdar City. This cluster will focus on development and testing of driverless vehicles in Abu Dhabi. SAVI will contribute positively to the economy and the daily life of the UAE by facilitating the incorporation of modern technologу into this industry.

According to Badr Al-Olam, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, air taxis will support the UAE’s development by attracting millions of direct foreign investments, creating several thousand job opportunities, and reducing traffic jams in an environmentally friendly way.