The Abu Dhabi flying taxis have started testing in the UAE
Just a few weeks ago, the Abu Dhabi Aviation Group announced a strategic collaboration with Archer to deploy its first eVTOL aircraft, Midnight, from Abu Dhabi.
And now? Tests in the UAE have officially begun…
The Abu Dhabi flying taxis have flown in Abu Dhabi
Archer, the company responsible for the Abu Dhabi flying taxis, have announced that they have had their first test flight in Abu Dhabi.
Before flying in the UAE, the aircraft was successfully tested in California – and you can actually see the whole video on YouTube.
So when will the Abu Dhabi flying taxis be operational?
Test flights of Midnight have begun. These will check the impact of the UAE's extreme summer temperatures on the aircraft and within the cabin before the flying taxi services officially launch.
The Archer team have also scoped out potential routes in Abu Dhabi.
Talib Alhinai, UAE general manager at Archer, told Time Out Abu Dhabi: ''We flew over Abu Dhabi for a route assessment for Archer's upcoming electric air taxi service launch in Abu Dhabi. We were focused on understanding the real customer experience. What would these routes look like? How would travellers see our city from this new perspective? The views are incredible. You're not just travelling, you're getting a completely new way of seeing Abu Dhabi.'
Check out the amazing views below in footage supplied by Archer – they weren't wrong…
Previously, Archer Aviation's chief commercial officer Nikhil Goel told Forbes: 'There are hundreds of cities that want air taxis. Abu Dhabi will be first, and that will be a lighthouse to the world to say, these air taxis are safe. From there, I hope that we can build the centre of the Middle East here and from that, you've got other countries across the Gulf Cooperation Council.'
How will the Abu Dhabi flying taxis work?
Archer's Midnight eVTOL aircraft will be able to carry up to four passengers, plus a pilot, at speeds of up to 241 km/h.
For instance, you'll be able to get from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Emirates Palace in just 5 to 8 minutes – an upgrade from the typical 45-minute car ride.
They're also fully electric and can operate back-to-back flights with minimal charge time in between.
Credit: Archer
How much will a flying taxi journey cost?
While nothing is confirmed yet, Archer's CCO Nikhil Goel revealed potential prices in an interview with The National, saying it will be priced 'similarly to an Uber Black or a premium town car'.
Inner city flights in Abu Dhabi : Dhs300 – Dhs350.
: Dhs300 – Dhs350. Abu Dhabi and Dubai: Dhs800 – Dhs1,500.
'And then over time when we make our operations more efficient, our goal is to be comparable to the price of a taxi or an Uber', Nikhil Goel added.
We're keeping a close eye on all the Abu Dhabi flying taxi updates, so stay tuned.
Living in the UAE
When is the next public holiday?
Here's when you'll have your next day off
5 unexpected Emirates ID perks you should seriously be using
And yes, they all make our lives a little bit easier
12 brilliant day trips from Abu Dhabi for when you need to escape the city
And some of them are free
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
an hour ago
- Al Etihad
1 in 3 UAE residents plans to travel abroad at least twice this year
3 July 2025 23:40 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)Most UAE residents intend to go on a trip abroad this year, with a third even planning to travel at least twice in the next 12 months, according to the Allianz Partners Travel Index on a survey of 500 respondents in the UAE, conducted between February 11 and 19, the report explores residents' travel plans, preferences, and concerns for the year earners are likely to take up to five or more trips annually, the findings showed. While travel budgets vary with household income, 34% of respondents plan to spend more than $3,000 (approximately Dh11,000) on their next Middle East and North Africa remain the most popular outbound travel regions for UAE travellers, attracting 30% of respondents, followed by the UK and Europe at 26%, the report said. Younger travellers under 30, however, are increasingly drawn to Central America and the Caribbean Islands, signalling emerging destination trends among Gen Z and millennials. The average holiday duration ranges between nine and 15 days, with most travellers preferring to go with family or planning spans up to three months for most respondents, who rely on recommendations from family, friends, and social media platforms - particularly YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram - for travel inspiration. When it comes to travel apps, 45% of respondents say that the most useful feature is the ability to store travel documents digitally. The report also revealed that safety and peace of mind are emerging as top priorities for UAE travellers, influenced by ongoing global events and financial safety is the top concern, cited by 44% of respondents, followed by fears of extreme weather events, financial constraints, and flight travellers are particularly cautious about geopolitical tensions, while younger travellers place importance on securing travel documents and digital assets while abroad. The survey showed that interest in travel insurance is growing, with 26% of respondents planning to purchase policies through travel websites. Among those purchasing insurance, half say their main motivation is to ensure security and peace of mind. Meanwhile, 35% of respondents highlight medical emergency benefits and coverage limits as the most crucial factors influencing their insurance purchase, especially for extended international trips.
4 hours ago
Dubai's most serene night swim spots to cool down this summer
Without limiting outdoor pools winter, Dubai is always a step ahead when it comes to enjoying outdoor activities such as a night swim even during summer. Ideal for cooling off after work or starting your weekend, night swims offer spectacular skyline and sea views, cool waters, and the laid-back glamour that defines the emirate's warmer months. Overall, night swims have emerged as the city's chicest way to cool off, offering a blend of serene ambience, skyline views, and elevated leisure. Whether it's a twilight dip at AURA Skypool with panoramic vistas of the Palm, a curated evening affair at La Cantine Beach, or the understated luxury of Drift's moonlit lounging, these after-dark escapes redefine summer in the city. Curated with softly lit pools, curated soundtracks, and menus designed for poolside indulgence, night swims are no longer just a reprieve from the heat, they're the new social hour for those who prefer their summer soirées served with a side of starlight. So if you're deciding where to go and what to wear, see our full Emirates Woman guide to keep you occupied during summer. SĀN Nestled along the scenic Palm West Beach, SĀN Beach invited guests to experience the allure of moonlight waters and starry skies with late-night swims. Guests can bask under the stars and experience the vibrant pool bar until 9PM. Post swim, visitors can savour a delectable dinner at the restaurant to further elevate their evening. It starts at 6pm, with access priced at Dhs300, making it full redeemable for ladies and half for gents. For more information visit Maison De La Plage Maison de la Plage is turning up the heat and cooling things down with the launch of its Night Swims experience. As the sun sets over West Palm Beach, the venue transforms into a tranquil twilight escape, inviting guests to dine, unwind, and enjoy a moonlit swim. With the beach closed for summer, all sunbeds are relocated poolside, where the water is cooled to offer the perfect evening dip. Running daily from 7PM to 11PM, the experience blends laid-back luxury with the charm of coastal nights. Guests on sunbeds can enjoy the Beach Lounge menu, while those at dining tables will indulge in the à la carte offering. Rates start at Dhs250 on weekdays (Dhs100 redeemable) and Dhs350 on weekends (Dhs200 redeemable), making this the ultimate summer sundown ritual. For more information visit One & Only Royal Mirage As the sun dips below the horizon, Al Janoub Pool at The Palace shimmers to life, setting the stage for Moonlight Swim—a sultry, starlit escape held every Friday and Saturday from 7PM to 11PM at One&Only Royal Mirage. This adults-only affair transforms the infinity pool into a twilight sanctuary, where summer beats echo through the night and the views stretch endlessly across Dubai Harbour Marina and Palm Island Bay. Guests can sip handcrafted cocktails in plush private cabanas, float under a canopy of stars, or sink into loungers surrounded by lush gardens and curated soundscapes. With its dreamy setting and effortless elegance, Moonlight Swim offers a chic new way to soak in summer, where the vibe is cool, the water warm, and the night full of possibility. The minimum spend is Dhs250 for poolside access and Dhs500 for private cabanas. For more information visit La Cantine Beach – Delano As golden hour fades into an indigo glow, La Cantine Beach unveiled its Après-Soleil Night Swim, an elevated twilight ritual. Running every Thursday to Saturday from 7PM onwards, this moonlit dip comes with sunbeds for Dhs249 and lounges Dhs299, both fully redeemable against a curated night swim menu. A bottle of chilled grape is also offered at a special price of Dhs400 for those looking to toast the evening in style. With ambient lighting, panoramic views of Ain Dubai, and chic summer bites by the shore, it's your new after-dark escape—where the city's heat gives way to something far cooler. For more information visit Here's your styling guide for the perfect night swim: – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @zozoewitherspoon
Filipino Times
7 hours ago
- Filipino Times
‘Midnight' flying taxi begins test flights in Abu Dhabi
The future is here! Archer Aviation has officially begun flight tests for its electric air taxi, Midnight, in Abu Dhabi. 'Midnight has flown in the UAE,' the company announced on X. 'We kicked off our UAE Launch Edition program today with a test flight in Abu Dhabi at Al Bateen Executive Airport.' The initial flights aim to test how Midnight performs in local weather conditions, including high temperatures, humidity, and exposure to dust, factors common in the UAE. These evaluations are necessary to confirm if the aircraft is ready for future commercial use in the region. The electric aircraft, which takes off and lands vertically (VTOL), is designed for short, safe air travel in urban areas. The test flight was conducted in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, marking the start of Archer's broader plans to introduce electric air taxi services in the UAE. Senior officials from The General Civil Aviation Authority, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the Integrated Transport Centre, Abu Dhabi Aviation, and Abu Dhabi Airports attended the event. Regional partners also witnessed the milestone.
