Dubai and the UAE are moving closer to a new era of flying taxis and next-generation air mobility, as the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) advances the certification of multiple electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for passenger and cargo operations.
The initiative represents a major milestone in transforming the UAE’s aviation landscape, supporting the nation’s innovation-driven vision and its global leadership in aviation regulation and safety.
The GCAA said its certification programme follows a rigorous, evidence-based process covering every stage — from application and technical review to flight testing and operational evaluation — ensuring compliance with the highest international safety and performance standards.
The GCAA sets timelines in coordination with applicants, based on their readiness and adherence to regulatory milestones.
UAE among first to regulate advanced air mobility
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, said the UAE ranks among the first nations in the world to implement a regulatory framework for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
He said: “Our approach places safety and reliability at the core of every stage, ensuring innovation in aviation is achieved with the same rigour and discipline that define our oversight system”.
Al Suwaidi added that the UAE’s certification methodology aligns with global best practices, maintaining a recognised international standard of aviation safety oversight.
The GCAA is working with UAE government partners and international certification bodies, establishing dedicated technical and regulatory teams for each eVTOL programme to guarantee safe integration of new air mobility technologies into the UAE’s skies.
Flying taxis closer to reality
Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director-General of Aviation Safety Affairs, said the certification process remains both structured and transparent.
“Our focus is on enabling innovation through a robust and efficient certification pathway while ensuring that every aircraft meets all regulatory requirements,” he noted.
The GCAA confirmed that all eVTOL certification developments undergo extensive evaluation in cooperation with manufacturers, with safety as the paramount priority.
Global leadership in aviation safety and AI
As the UAE’s aviation regulator, the GCAA continues to integrate new air mobility technologies under a modern, adaptive regulatory framework that strengthens public trust and cements the country’s position as a global leader in advanced aviation systems.
In parallel, the authority is hosting the UAE Aviation Safety Conference 2025 under the theme “AI and the Future of Aviation Safety: Intelligent Skies, Safer Flights.”
The two-day event brings together government officials, industry executives and AI specialists to discuss how emerging technologies will redefine the future of flight safety and operations.
