Abu Dhabi pilots MENA’s first passenger-carrying drone flights

Abu Dhabi has conducted trials for the first passenger-carrying drones in the Middle East region, as the emirate consolidates its position as a global hub for smart and sustainable mobility solutions.

The first trial featured a five-seater drone that can travel for more than 25km, with a payload of up to 350kg. The second test flight involved a small-sized drone, capable of carrying two passengers and travelling for up to 35km for approximately 20 minutes.

The trials were part of an exhibition by the Multi-Level Group (MLG), as part of the Abu Dhabi Mobility Week that took place last week.

“Being part of this historic moment is truly exhilarating. The seamless integration of technology and aviation represents a significant leap forward for our nation and as an Emirati, I am proud to be a part of it,” said Mohamed Hamad Al Dhaheri, a board member of MLG.

Al Dhaheri took part in the test flight of the fully autonomous intra-city electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL), marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind in the Middle East.

Abu Dhabi continues to provide facilities and incentives as well as launch programmes that are shaping the future of transportation solutions and smart vehicles.

This is underpinned by the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industries (SAVI) cluster at Masdar City, which contributes to advancing progress and innovation in this field.

Abu Dhabi’s smart mobility ambitions

Meanwhile, flying taxi maker Archer Aviation signed a multi-million dollar framework agreement with ADIO during the Abu Dhabi Mobility Week to accelerate its planned commercial air taxi operations in the UAE.

The framework agreement, which includes in-country manufacturing, operations and training across the region, cements Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the world’s leaders in promoting urban air mobility ahead of the launch of air taxi services with Archer’s Midnight aircraft next year.

Similarly, electric aircraft maker Joby Aviation signed a multilateral MoU with Abu Dhabi government entities including the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi, paving the way for the eVTOL firm to establish and scale up operations in the emirate and beyond.

Joby also partnered with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority to launch an all-electric air taxi service in the emirate, with the flying taxi firm targeting initial operations as early as 2025.

The shift to sustainable mobility in the UAE is being accelerated by government-led initiatives that are advancing the development of infrastructure such as vertiports and eVTOL MRO facilities.

Read: Air taxi maker Archer, ADIO to accelerate air taxi operations in UAE