Revealed: Vertiports to be constructed at 3 Abu Dhabi locations

Vertiports will be constructed at three key locations in Abu Dhabi, including Al Bateen, Yas Island, and Khalifa Port, it was announced on Tuesday.

LODD, an Abu Dhabi based company specialising in AI-powered drone technology and autonomous aerial logistics, and Skyports Infrastructure made the announcement at the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS).

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The two companies said “the development of a vertiport network will support the operation of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and autonomous aerial logistics in the UAE.”

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“Building vertiports represents a significant step toward integrating unmanned aerial mobility into Abu Dhabi’s public transportation system,” said Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD, adding: “These vertiports will lay the foundation for a future-ready air mobility network, supporting both commercial eVTOL passenger services and autonomous aerial logistics.”

Vertiports are designated areas for takeoff, landing, and servicing of flying taxis – which are scheduled to start operations in 2026. On January 9, Dubai announced the country's first commercial vertiport that will be named Dubai International Vertiport (DXV).

In Dubai, DXV is the first of four sites being developed by Skyports in collaboration with Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Joby Aviation. The three other vertiports that are projected to be finished in the first quarter of 2026 in Dubai are Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina.

LODD noted the three vertiports in Abu Dhabi will not only connect key sites within the Emirate but also have the “potential for connectivity between locations across the UAE.”

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, added: “The signing of an MOU highlights the progress being made to define and develop Abu Dhabi’s advanced air mobility (AAM) infrastructure network. As our vertiport concept designs show, cargo is just as important to Abu Dhabi’s AAM future as well as passenger operations. The development of a comprehensive passenger and cargo network will enable us to bring wide ranging benefits to the emirate, for both people and businesses.”

Angel Tesorero

angel@khaleejtimes.com

Angel Tesorero is Assistant Editor and designated funny guy in the newsroom, but dead serious about writing on transport, labour migration, and environmental issues. He is a food lover too.