In a landmark step toward the future of urban air mobility, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with US-based Joby Aviation, has successfully conducted the first test flight of an electric aerial taxi in the region. The flight, performed at a desert test site in Dubai, marks a critical milestone in the emirate’s goal of introducing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft as part of its public transport infrastructure.

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The trial flight featured Joby Aviation’s all-electric aircraft, which is capable of vertical take-off and landing, enabling it to operate in densely populated urban areas with minimal spatial requirements. The aerial taxi is powered by electricity, generates zero operating emissions, and has been engineered to operate at significantly lower noise levels than traditional helicopters, a WAM report said.

The test flight was attended by prominent UAE officials, including Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.

“Dubai continues to lead the way in shaping the future of mobility, guided by the strategic vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,” said Sheikh Hamdan. “This achievement reflects our commitment to placing the UAE at the forefront of transformative technologies that drive global progress. It also underscores our determination to turn breakthrough innovations into practical solutions that improve quality of life.”

Urban air travel set to transform mobility

The Joby Aerial Taxi is designed to accommodate one pilot and four passengers, with a flight range of up to 160 kilometers and a top speed of 320 kilometers per hour. The aircraft’s VTOL design uses six rotors and four battery packs, enabling it to take off and land vertically from specially designed vertiports.

The successful test was part of a series of ongoing flight evaluations intended to assess the aircraft’s performance in Dubai’s unique climate and urban conditions. The trials are an early step toward a broader commercial rollout, which is set to begin in 2026 with the inauguration of the first Aerial Taxi station near Dubai International Airport.

The ultimate goal is to offer a premium and efficient alternative to ground transportation. A trip from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah, for instance, is expected to take just 10 to 12 minutes by aerial taxi, compared to roughly 45 minutes by car.

The demonstration was attended by senior figures in Dubai’s aviation and transport sectors, including Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA; Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA); and executives from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Dubai Air Navigation Services.

Commenting on the achievement, Mattar Al Tayer said the aerial taxi’s introduction is a natural progression in the city’s embrace of smart and sustainable mobility. “The test flight reflects the leadership’s vision for a sustainable and technologically advanced public transport system,” Al Tayer said. “It also aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the UAE’s broader vision for sustainable development.”

Infrastructure development underway for 2026 launch

In collaboration with Shamal Holding, RTA has already begun developing the infrastructure to support aerial taxi services. This includes a dedicated vertiport, a hangar equipped with real-time flight tracking systems, and cutting-edge electric charging facilities. These installations are integral to ensuring the smooth and safe operation of eVTOL aircraft across the city.

JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, and Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, briefed officials on the project’s roadmap. According to the timeline, Dubai’s first commercial aerial taxi service will begin operations in 2026, with routes designed to serve key destinations and integrate with the broader public transport network.

“Dubai serves as a launchpad for a global revolution in mobility,” said Bevirt. “Flying our aircraft here represents a pivotal step toward integrating aerial taxis into the daily lives of people around the world. Our strategic partnership with RTA enables us to help shape a future where clean and quiet aviation becomes the new standard.”

Bevirt highlighted the efficiency of the aircraft, noting that it can reduce travel times dramatically while offering a quieter, safer, and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional helicopters.

He emphasized the significance of the partnership with Dubai in showcasing American aerospace innovation on a global stage. “This achievement is the result of two years of close collaboration,” he added. “It underscores Joby’s leadership in the field and reaffirms the UAE’s position as a pioneer in adopting next-generation air mobility technologies.”

Building on years of research and global testing

Joby’s readiness to initiate testing in Dubai follows more than 15 years of research and development. The company has logged over 40,000 miles of flight testing and completed numerous successful piloted transition flights. Much of the recent testing has been carried out under extreme weather conditions at Edwards Air Force Base in the U.S., ensuring that the aircraft is fully prepared for the heat and humidity of the Gulf region.

Earlier this year, Dubai’s RTA signed a multi-party agreement to bring aerial taxi services to the city. The deal includes partners such as the GCAA, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Skyports Infrastructure—a UK-based firm specializing in vertiport development. The agreement makes Dubai the first city in the world to plan a fully integrated eVTOL service with operational infrastructure tailored for urban air mobility.

According to RTA, the aerial taxi service will complement existing transportation options and promote seamless multimodal mobility across Dubai. This includes integration with the metro, buses, e-scooters, and bicycles—helping to create a cohesive and future-proof transport ecosystem.

Looking ahead, Joby Aviation intends to expand its footprint across the UAE and the wider region. The company sees Dubai as a strategic launch point for the broader Middle East and envisions aerial transport as a key part of the region’s smart city evolution.

“Dubai is a model for transportation innovation,” Bevirt said. “With a highly developed metro, a world-class road network, and now the first aerial taxi system in the region, the city is setting a global benchmark for urban mobility.”

New era of urban mobility on display

The Museum of the Future, in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has unveiled a prototype of the Joby S4 aerial taxi, marking a significant step in the city’s vision for smart, sustainable transportation.

Exhibited on the museum’s “Tomorrow, Today” floor, the aerial taxi prototype reinforces Dubai’s commitment to its Self-Driving Transport Strategy, aiming for 25% of all trips to be autonomous by 2030.

A greener way to travel

The electric aerial taxi, developed by California-based Joby Aviation, showcases zero-emissions technology that aligns with global sustainability goals. Its vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) design and advanced safety features make it a compelling alternative to traditional transport.

“We are honoured to showcase the aerial taxi model at the Museum of the Future, which underscores Dubai’s ambition and forward-thinking approach to redefining mobility,” said Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems at RTA. “Dubai is set to become the first city in the world to launch an aerial taxi project, with services expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.”

Look inside the Joby S4

The aircraft features six rotors, four battery packs, and seats for four passengers plus a pilot. It can reach speeds of up to 322 km/h and has a range of 161 km. Notably quieter than helicopters, the vehicle offers a faster and more comfortable experience.

Initial routes will connect key locations across the city, including Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. A typical flight from the airport to Palm Jumeirah is expected to take just 12 minutes, compared to 45 minutes by car.

Smart infrastructure and vertiport development

The vertiport infrastructure, which will support around 42,000 landings annually and accommodate 170,000 passengers, will feature state-of-the-art facilities and meet international safety standards.

Vehicle operations and passenger logistics will be handled by Joby Aviation, while Skyports Infrastructure will manage the design, construction, and operations of the vertiports. RTA will oversee the integration of aerial taxis into Dubai’s broader transport network.

Royal approval for vertiport construction

In November 2024, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, officially approved construction of the city’s first aerial taxi vertiport near Dubai International Airport. He was joined by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, along with top executives from RTA, Joby Aviation, and Skyports.

The vertiport will cover 3,100 square metres and include zones for take-off and landing, charging stations, an apron, and parking. Air-conditioned facilities will enhance passenger comfort while adhering to stringent safety protocols.

Agreements and operational timeline

The initiative follows a 2024 agreement signed between RTA, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Skyports Infrastructure, and Joby Aviation to bring aerial mobility to the emirate.

JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, confirmed that operational trials are expected to begin in 2025, ahead of the commercial launch in 2026. “We plan to deliver an incredible experience for residents and visitors to Dubai,” he said at the World Governments Summit.

Dubai’s leap into the future

“The Museum of the Future has become home to the aerial taxi prototype, reflecting Dubai’s pioneering leadership in shaping the future of transportation,” said Majed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the museum. “Our partnership with the RTA underscores the museum’s mission to inspire groundbreaking ideas and foster a culture of innovation.”

Joby’s entry into the UAE market positions Dubai as a global leader in urban aerial mobility, with plans to expand services across the country and the wider region.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in UAE has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing labour regulations by taking strict action against businesses found to be non-compliant with their licensed activities while maintaining registered workers without genuine employment relationships.

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Since the start of 2025, MoHRE’s monitoring system has identified around 1,300 establishments, linked to approximately 1,800 business owners, that were not actively engaged in their approved commercial operations. Despite being inactive, these establishments had one or more registered employees without any real employment relationship, according to a report from the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

In response, MoHRE imposed penalties exceeding Dhs34 million, suspended the issuance of new work permits for these entities, and downgraded them to the third category within the Ministry’s classification system for private sector establishments.

Legal action targets both employers and workers

The Ministry has also barred the owners of these non-compliant establishments from registering any new businesses in its system, in line with its continued efforts to ensure adherence to UAE labour laws and regulations.

These actions are backed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on Regulating Labour Relations, Cabinet Resolution No. 21 of 2020 regarding service fees and administrative fines, and Ministerial Resolution No. 318 of 2024, which governs how authorities handle cases involving establishments that register workers but do not carry out licensed operations.

MoHRE has urged employers to cancel licences and update the legal status of their workers if an establishment ceases operations for any reason. Failure to do so could result in legal liability for both business owners and registered employees.

An inactive licensed business that retains workers without actual employment is considered a serious legal violation. The consequences apply to all parties involved, especially when no legitimate employment link exists.

The ministry also underscored the effectiveness of its field-based and smart monitoring systems, which use comprehensive data and indicators—including worker sponsorships, licensing activity, transaction records, and field inspections—to evaluate whether a business is operational.

Amazon UAE has launched Amazon Bazaar, a new shopping experience available on the Amazon.ae mobile app, aimed at offering customers in the UAE a convenient way to browse affordable, on-trend products across fashion, home, lifestyle, and more.

Amazon Bazaar features a dedicated section within the Amazon app, complete with its own search, cart, and checkout functionalities.

The interface is designed to be vibrant and intuitive, allowing users to discover deals and fill their carts with products, most of which are priced at Dhs25 or less, and some as low as Dhs4.

“Amazon Bazaar brings an exciting new shopping experience to Amazon.ae customers – from discovery to checkout, we’ve ensured the customer shopping journey is fun, easy, and engaging while they explore great deals from the convenience of their homes,” said Stefano Martinelli, VP of Amazon Middle East and North Africa.

“Customers will find incredible value across a wide range of products priced as low as Dhs4, with additional savings to be had throughout July, all while enjoying Amazon‘s trusted reliability and convenience promises that customers have come to know and love,” he added.

Key features of Amazon Bazaar

Customers can access Amazon Bazaar through the Amazon.ae app by tapping the new “Bazaar” icon or searching “Bazaar”.

Highlights include:

• Affordable trendy finds: A wide variety of products, with most priced at Dhs25 or below.
• Launch offer: A 25 per cent discount on all Amazon Bazaar orders during the first month of launch (terms and conditions apply).
• Volume discounts: 5 per cent off orders over Dhs150 and 10 per cent off orders over Dhs300.
• User-friendly interface: A colourful and engaging experience built into the Amazon app.
• Reliable delivery and returns: Free delivery on orders above Dhs90, with estimated delivery between six to12 days, and free 15-day returns on most products.

Customers can access Amazon Bazaar through the Amazon.ae app by tapping the new “Bazaar” icon or searching “Bazaar”.

The service is currently in beta and available to select UAE users, with a full rollout expected in the coming weeks.

It is also accessible through mobile browsers at amazon.ae/bazaar.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced that Saudi Arabia’s overall unemployment rate, encompassing both Saudis and non-Saudis, fell to just 2.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, marking a continued rebound in Saudi Arabia’s labor market. The total labor force participation rate reached 68.2 per cent, with Saudi participation rising to 51.3 per cent, up from Q4 2024.

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According to GASTAT’s Labor Market Statistics Bulletin for Q1 2025, Saudi male participation increased to 66.4 per cent, and their unemployment rate dropped to 4 per cent. The report attributed much of the labor market progress to successful economic reforms and labor empowerment policies, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

Female participation hits new milestones

One of the most notable developments was the continued rise in female participation. The labor force participation rate among Saudi women climbed to 36.3 per cent, while their unemployment rate dropped to 10.5 per cent, a significant decline from the previous quarter.

These improvements reflect the impact of national women’s empowerment initiatives, which have enhanced their economic involvement and role in sustainable development.Shifts in Youth Employment

Among young Saudi women aged 15–24, the employment-to-population ratio rose to 14.6 per cent, with labor force participation up to 18.4 per cent. In contrast, young Saudi men in the same age group saw a decrease in both employment-to-population ratio (29.2 per cent) and labor force participation (33 per cent), though their unemployment rate fell to 11.6 per cent, suggesting a tightening labor market.

Prime working age group sees strong gains

For Saudis aged 25–54, labor force participation reached 69.6 per cent, with an employment-to-population ratio of 65.9 per cent. Unemployment in this group dropped to 5.4 per cent, reflecting improved job availability and workforce integration.

Saudis aged 55 and older saw a slight decline in both participation and unemployment, signaling gradual retirement transitions.

Saudi unemployment at all-time low

Saudi nationals’ unemployment dropped to a record low of 6.3 per cent in Q1 2025. Since 2021, the Saudi female unemployment rate has declined by over 11 percentage points.

In terms of job search behavior, 75.8 per cent of job seekers preferred applying directly to employers, followed by 74.6 per cent using the national Jadarat platform. 64.5 per cent updated their CVs on business-focused social media.