A vertiport network is being planned out in Abu Dhabi to support the launch of air mobility across the emirate.

The initiative is part of the government’s Smart & Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster’s strategy to support Abu Dhabi’s innovation-driven economic diversification with sustainable air mobility including air taxis.

The planned vertiport infrastructure will enable electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to operate as taxis across locations in Abu Dhabi, facilitating seamless low-emission travel, improving connectivity and reinforcing the emirate as a pioneer in urban mobility.

The network will comprise more than ten vertiports integrated into Abu Dhabi’s wider transport system. Zayed International Airport and Al Bateen Executive Airport have been confirmed as locations within the network, with further sites 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 Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) are contributing to the development and operation of vertiport network within a regulatory framework, ensuring compliance with afety, performance and integration standards. This must enable seamless alignment with Abu Dhabi’s airspace and broader transport systems while ensuring financial sustainability.

The network will connect 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 integrated into Abu Dhabi’s wider transport system, featuring ground transport and digital infrastructure, through the smart systems of Abu Dhabi Mobility and the network of Abu Dhabi Airports, ensuring seamless multimodal connections.

“This step in Abu Dhabi builds upon the ongoing efforts of the General Civil Aviation Authority to align the nation’s aviation infrastructure with the UAE’s strategic vision of adopting an advanced and sustainable air mobility ecosystem,” said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director-general of the GCAA (www.gcaa.gov.ae). “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 facilitating the adaptation of existing heliports as part of a comprehensive infrastructure that supports advanced air mobility.”

He said this marked the beginning of a new era, one that reflected a qualitative leap in aviation infrastructure and reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to leading the global shift towards smarter and more sustainable mobility.

“In collaboration with its partners, the GCAA continues to spearhead this transformation by fostering a flexible and forward-looking regulatory environment that positions the UAE among the first countries worldwide to operate advanced air mobility systems at scale,” he said.

Badr Al-Olama, director-general of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO, adio.abudhabi), added: “This strategic initiative places Abu Dhabi at the forefront of next-generation mobility, exemplifying the power of partnerships between Abu Dhabi government and the private sector in accelerating future industries. By integrating eVTOL infrastructure into our transport system and anchoring this initiative as part of the SAVI cluster, we are accelerating the deployment of smart and advanced mobility while solidifying the emirate’s position as a leader in future-defining industries.”

And Elena Sorlini, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports (www.adairports.ae), 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 into Abu Dhabi’s transport ecosystem.”

For Abu Dhabi Mobility (admobility.gov.ae), acting director-general Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, said: “The development of Abu Dhabi’s vertiport network marks a significant milestone in shaping the future of urban mobility. As the regulatory and strategic authority for integrated transport in the emirate, Abu Dhabi Mobility is ensuring that advanced air mobility is embedded within a clear governance and operational framework that promotes safety, efficiency and sustainability. This initiative reflects Abu Dhabi’s forward-looking vision for next-generation transport and reinforces its global position as a leader in smart and sustainable mobility.”