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Middle East Tomorrow

Flying Taxis in Dubai and the Future of Middle East Travel

Flying taxis in Dubai are the headline, but they are only part of the story. Driverless cars, new passenger trains, a brand-new Saudi airline and some of the world's biggest airport projects are changing how travelers move around the Middle East.

Updated

At a glance

Future Travel at a glance

Riyadh Air
Flying since June 10, 2026
Etihad Rail
Passenger trains since June 30, 2026
Driverless taxis
Bookable on Uber in parts of Dubai
Air taxis
Dubai launch planned, date to be confirmed

What you can ride now

What you can ride now, and what is coming

Riyadh Air

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's new national airline flew its first commercial flight, Riyadh to London Heathrow, on June 10, 2026, using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Its network is growing quickly; see the best airlines in the region.

Official site ↗

Etihad Rail passenger trains

UAE

The UAE's first national passenger rail opened on June 30, 2026 between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. Dubai (Al Yalayis) and Al Dhaid stations joined on September 30, 2026, with trains from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in about an hour; Sharjah's University City station is expected in March 2027. More on trains in the region.

Official site ↗

Driverless taxis

Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Since August 2026 riders in parts of Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim can book fully driverless Baidu Apollo Go cars through the Uber app in Dubai. Abu Dhabi also runs autonomous ride services on Yas and Saadiyat islands.

Official site ↗
To be confirmed

Joby electric air taxis

Dubai

Joby and Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority plan quiet, electric air taxis linking Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown and Dubai Marina, bookable through Uber. The companies have said service will begin in 2026; we will confirm once passenger flights start.

Official site ↗
To be confirmed

Al Maktoum International Airport expansion

Dubai World Central

Dubai is building what is planned to become the world's largest airport, with operations moving there from Dubai International over the coming years. Phased; dates to be confirmed.

Official site ↗
To be confirmed

High-speed rail links

UAE and Saudi Arabia

A high-speed line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and new long-distance links within Saudi Arabia are planned. Opening dates to be confirmed.

The sculpted, wave-like Riyadh Metro station at King Abdullah Financial District, framed by the district's towers.
Photo: Saudi Press Agency (SPA) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Getting here

Getting here from the United States

Nonstop flights already link the Gulf with New York, Washington, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and more, usually 12 to 16 hours. Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways and Saudia fly some of the world's best premium cabins; see our airline guide, plus private jets and helicopter transfers for the last mile.

Living near the new

Living near the new transport links

New stations, airports and vertiports tend to lift the neighborhoods around them, from Dubai South near Al Maktoum airport to northern Riyadh. See Dubai Luxury Real Estate and investing near the new landmarks.

How the Dubai air taxi will work

Joby's aircraft is a quiet, all-electric air taxi that takes off and lands vertically, carrying a pilot and up to four passengers. The first vertiport is at Dubai International Airport, with further sites at Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina. Rides will be booked through the Uber app, and a trip from the airport to the Palm is expected to take around ten minutes instead of a long drive.

Archer Aviation is also working toward air taxi service in Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia is testing flying vehicles for NEOM and its giga-projects.

Questions travelers ask

Can I ride a flying taxi in Dubai yet?

Passenger service was planned to begin in 2026. Check with the operator before you travel; we will update this page once flights are confirmed.

Is Etihad Rail useful for visitors?

Yes. It links Abu Dhabi with Fujairah's beaches and mountains, with Dubai connected since September 30, 2026 and a Sharjah city station expected in 2027. Premium Class seats are available.

What is Riyadh Air?

Saudi Arabia's new national airline, which began commercial flights on June 10, 2026 with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from Riyadh.

Ultra-Luxury Real Estate · Own Here

From a stay to a home of your own

Across the Middle East, the finest resorts and the finest homes now sit side by side, and many international buyers own before they ever visit.

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Luxury Real Estate in the Middle EastEvery guide, country by country.The 66 TerritoriesEach with its Founding Partner Agency and Developer.Branded ResidencesHomes run to the standard of the world's finest hotels.Can Foreigners Buy Property?The rules in all fourteen countries.

Checked October 2026. Prices and dates are approximate and can change. See our standard.