Dubai has taken another step toward launching urban air mobility services after the world’s first purpose-built commercial vertiport for electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft received regulatory certification.
The move paves the way for Joby Aviation to launch air taxi services. In 2024 the U.S. company secured exclusive rights with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority to operate eVTOL air taxi services in the emirate for six years.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Skyports Infrastructure announced the certification of the facility, known as VDX, on July 6. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the GCAA, described the certification as a “historic” achievement for the United Arab Emirates and a “defining moment” for the future of aviation.
“It reflects the vision of our leadership, the maturity of our regulatory system and our national capability to enable innovation while maintaining the highest levels of safety,” he said.
VDX will serve as the primary hub of Dubai’s planned Air Taxi network, with three further vertiports currently under development by Skyports Infrastructure in partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority.
Ahead of certification, the GCAA said it carried out a comprehensive assessment of the facility. The authority said the certification supports the goals of the “We the UAE 2031” vision and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, by driving innovation, attracting investment, diversifying the economy and advancing sustainable transport.
Skyports Infrastructure CEO Duncan Walker said that the certification, alongside ongoing construction of the wider Dubai Air Taxi Network, brings the launch of commercial air taxi operations closer to reality.
The four-story VDX facility spans approximately 3,100 m2 (33,368 ft.2) and features two dedicated takeoff and landing areas, rapid charging infrastructure and passenger facilities designed for high throughput. Once operational, the vertiport is expected to accommodate up to 170,000 passengers annually.