In a remarkable revelation, Dubai‘s transportation landscape is set to undergo a transformative leap within the next ten months, heralding the launch of airborne taxi services. This development aligns with the city’s ambitious vision for smart mobility, emphasizing the incorporation of innovative solutions to enhance urban mobility. With prominent collaborations and strategic investments set to materialize, the journey toward operating aerial taxis represents a significant milestone in Dubai’s ongoing commitment to redefining transportation.
The Role of the Global Government Summit
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, emphasized that the Global Government Summit has evolved into a leading international platform. It not only fosters the exchange of ideas but also contributes to transforming ambitious visions into actionable projects, thereby supporting the development of smart transport systems and urban infrastructure worldwide.
This assessment came during his participation in the Partners Dialogue session at the Global Government Summit 2026. He pointed out that the summit has achieved qualitative results through its eleven editions, enhancing international cooperation and dialogue, and has led to the launch of initiatives that serve humanity. He praised the professional organization that has solidified its status as a global meeting point for decision-makers, government leaders, businesses, innovators, and experts.
A Strategic Partnership for Air Taxi Services
Al Tayer noted that the RTA’s participation as a strategic transport partner at the summit aims to establish genuine partnerships with leading global entities in transportation and advanced technologies. He confirmed that these collaborations have enabled the RTA to turn several ideas discussed into real projects on the ground in Dubai. He revealed that 2026 will see the launch of several strategic initiatives in smart mobility, with the aerial taxi service set to begin operations in the last quarter of the year. This initiative is the result of collaborations with global firms such as Joby and Skyports, highlighting that the project was initially presented two years ago at the summit and is now on the brink of actual launch in Dubai.
Self-Driving Taxis and Smart Mobility Advances
Moreover, he announced the imminent launch of self-driving taxis in collaboration with Baidu. Al Tayer explained that discussions during the last summit led to the establishment, within ten months, of an operations and control center for Baidu Apollo Go vehicles at the Dubai Science Park, marking the company’s first center outside of China. This initiative embodies Dubai’s approach of “we say what we do, and we do what we say.”
Al Tayer further illustrated the RTA’s continued efforts to accelerate the translation of ideas into tangible projects. The establishment and development of the two largest and most advanced centers in the world for managing transportation systems, namely the Unified Control Center and the Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Center, is a testament to this. Together, these centers enhance the fluidity of transportation, manage crowd movement, and provide support during emergencies, relying on artificial intelligence and big data technologies.
Investing in Quality of Life
In terms of improving the quality of life, Al Tayer affirmed that the Dubai government continues to invest heavily in the development of road infrastructure, viewing it as a fundamental driver of the economy and a lifeline for daily life. He pointed out that this year’s summit will announce future transport systems, including integrated mobility solutions for the first and last mile. Additionally, operational trials for self-driving vehicles will occur during the summit week, facilitating transportation for select guests along designated routes.
Al Tayer reinforced that the RTA’s efforts, in collaboration with local and international partners, are ongoing to enhance the road and transport system, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.