Abu Dhabi Investment Office Announces Launch of Vertiport Network to Activate Air Taxi Business | News
Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA); the Integrated Transport Center (Abu Dhabi Mobility), a subsidiary of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT); and Abu Dhabi Airports (ADA) have launched the first vertiport network to support the launch of advanced air mobility across the emirate. The initiative marks an important milestone in Abu Dhabi’s global leadership in smart and sustainable mobility.
The initiative is part of the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster’s strategy to support Abu Dhabi’s innovation-driven economic diversification through the deployment of advanced technologies, including advanced and sustainable air mobility solutions. The planned Vertiport infrastructure will enable electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to operate efficiently in strategic locations across Abu Dhabi, enabling seamless, low-emission travel, improving connectivity and cementing the emirate as a global pioneer in advanced urban mobility.
The network will include more than ten state-of-the-art vertiports, integrated into Abu Dhabi’s wider transport system. Zayed International Airport and Al Bateen Executive Airport have been confirmed as key locations within the wider network, with further locations and intercity routes to be announced in subsequent phases. Abu Dhabi Airports has been selected as the anchor investor and will act as the primary delivery partner. Meanwhile, the Integrated Transport Center (Abu Dhabi Mobility) and GCAA are contributing to the development and operation of Abu Dhabi’s vertiport network within a clear regulatory framework, ensuring compliance with the highest standards of safety, performance and integration, enabling seamless alignment with Abu Dhabi’s airspace and wider transport systems while ensuring financial sustainability.
The network will connect key urban, business and tourism hubs, including Zayed International Airport, Al Bateen Executive Airport and Yas Island, to Saadiyat and Abu Dhabi Island, enabling fast, clean and efficient air transport across the emirate. Each vertiport will be fully integrated into Abu Dhabi’s wider transport system, with ground transport and digital infrastructure, through the smart systems of the Integrated Transport Center (Abu Dhabi Mobility) and the Abu Dhabi Airports network, ensuring seamless multimodal connections.
His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, said: “This step in Abu Dhabi builds on the General Civil Aviation Authority’s ongoing efforts to align the country’s aviation infrastructure with the UAE’s strategic vision to implement an advanced and sustainable air mobility ecosystem. In line with its regulatory and legislative mandate, the GCAA has developed modern regulatory frameworks that enable the integration of eVTOL aircraft into the civil aviation system, while also the retrofitting of existing heliports is facilitated as part of a comprehensive infrastructure supporting advanced air mobility solutions.
“What we are experiencing today marks the beginning of a new era, one that reflects a qualitative leap forward in aviation infrastructure and reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to leading the global shift towards smarter and more sustainable mobility. Working with its partners, the GCAA continues to lead this transformation by promoting a flexible and forward-looking regulatory environment, making the UAE one of the first countries in the world to operate advanced air mobility systems at scale.”
His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said: “This strategic initiative places Abu Dhabi at the forefront of next-generation mobility and illustrates the power of partnerships between the Abu Dhabi Government and the private sector in accelerating future industries. By integrating eVTOL infrastructure into our transportation system and anchoring this initiative as part of the SAVI cluster, we are accelerating the deployment of smart and advanced mobility solutions while strengthening the Emirate’s position as a leader in the field of mobility.
“The launch of Abu Dhabi’s vertiport network marks a strategic step forward in building a future-proof transportation system that integrates advanced air mobility solutions. The integration of this system into the emirate’s infrastructure supports greater connectivity, operational efficiency and low-emissions mobility, improving quality of life and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s leadership in advanced air mobility.”
Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Center (Abu Dhabi Mobility), said: “The development of Abu Dhabi’s vertiport network marks an important milestone in shaping the future of urban mobility. As the regulatory and strategic authority for integrated transport in the emirate, the Integrated Transport Center (Abu Dhabi Mobility) ensures that advanced air mobility is embedded in a clear governance and operational framework that promotes safety, efficiency and sustainability. This initiative reflects Abu Dhabi’s forward-looking vision for transport of the next generation and strengthens its global position as a leader in smart and sustainable mobility.”
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “As the anchor delivery partner for Abu Dhabi’s vertiport network, Abu Dhabi Airports will be critical in shaping the infrastructure, operations and commercial readiness of advanced air mobility in the emirate. This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to unlocking the future of aviation through innovation, as well as our key role in integrating next-generation mobility solutions into Abu Dhabi’s transportation ecosystem. We are proud to partner with ADIO and the Integrated Transport Center (Abu Dhabi Mobility) under this transformative partnership, which will leverage our collective strengths and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position at the forefront of advanced air mobility.”
