Dubai will begin commercial air taxi operations in 2026 and roll out self-driving taxis shortly thereafter, marking a major step in the emirate’s push to transform urban mobility, according to the head of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Speaking at the World Governments Summit, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said Dubai is rapidly moving from planning to execution on future transport projects.
“Dubai is taking a serious approach to future projects. We do what we say, and we say what we do,” Al Tayer told delegates.
Air taxi services set for commercial debut
Al Tayer confirmed that infrastructure for Dubai’s air taxi programme, developed in partnership with Skyports and international aviation partners, will be ready for commercial operations in 2026. The service is expected to offer faster travel times across the city while easing pressure on road networks.
He said the project has been refined through consultations with global experts and discussions at international platforms, including the World Governments Summit, and is now entering the deployment phase.
Self-driving taxis to begin in early 2026
Dubai will also start operating self-driving taxis in the first quarter of 2026. Al Tayer said the initiative progressed from concept to execution in just 10 months following high-level coordination led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
A dedicated command and control centre has already been established and integrated with Dubai’s intelligent transport systems and telecommunications networks, enabling real-time traffic management and operational oversight.
Tackling the ‘first and last mile’
RTA is also addressing the “first and last mile” challenge by testing autonomous vehicles in selected zones. Al Tayer said the authority is working with global technology firms, including Baidu, to pilot self-driving solutions before wider deployment.
“These projects allow people to experience new technologies in real operating environments and help us convert innovation into practical services,” he said.
Infrastructure as economic backbone
Al Tayer stressed that investment in transport infrastructure is central to Dubai’s economic growth and competitiveness.
“Infrastructure is the backbone of any economy. Without it, you cannot attract businesses or build strong companies,” he said, adding that Dubai’s strategy is to translate ideas discussed at global forums into real, on-the-ground projects.
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