Dubai set to launch flying taxis, cutting travel time tremendously

After the announcement of the new Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed an agreement with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, on Tuesday, to boost collaboration on flying cars and self-driven vehicles, Khaleej Times reported.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed also includes collaboration of ideas to find eco-friendly transport solutions, with particular focus on electric and hydrogen bus fleet and the development of infrastructure for electric and hydrogen fuelling stations.

Mattar Al Tayer, RTA director general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, said: "The two sides share many strategic objectives and can exchange best practices in the field of planning and operating passenger transportation services, especially public transportation buses."

In addition, the RTA has also signed an agreement with Skyports Infrastructure to develop a network of vertiports in four strategic locations, including Ras Al Khaimah international airport, Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra and Jebel Jais.

Once completed, the time taken to travel from Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais will be cut short from 70 minutes in car to 20 minutes via an air taxi.

The agreement entails that the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Skyports will design, develop, and operate Ras Al Khaimah's first electric vertical take-off and landing air taxi ecosystem, with commercial operations set to commence by 2027.