The United Arab Emirates has commenced mapping air corridors and formulating regulatory frameworks for piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones, aiming to revolutionize urban transportation. 

According to a press release shared with The Byteline, this initiative, driven by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in collaboration with the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) entities—Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and ASPIRE—aims to integrate aerial mobility solutions into the country’s infrastructure.

The initiative is set to establish dedicated aerial routes and comprehensive regulations within the next 20 months, facilitating the seamless integration of air taxis and drones with existing transportation networks. These corridors will connect major airports and key urban locations, potentially easing road congestion and reshaping mobility across the UAE’s cities.

His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, described air corridor mapping as a “crucial milestone” that will support the incorporation of advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions into the UAE’s infrastructure. “This initiative ensures the safe and efficient adoption of air mobility, delivering transformative solutions to urban transport and paving the way for a smarter, more connected future,” Al Suwaidi stated.

By deploying AI-powered control and vision algorithms, researchers at TII are working on optimizing routes, improving collision avoidance mechanisms, and integrating aerial traffic into existing aerospace systems.

Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, highlighted the broader impact of the collaboration with GCAA, emphasizing the development of sustainable and accessible mobility solutions. “By advancing airspace management and integrating piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones, we are enhancing urban connectivity and addressing the challenges of modern transportation,” Aaraj said.

Stephane Timpano of ASPIRE noted that air mobility solutions could alleviate pressure on road networks and contribute to a more flexible transportation system. “Addressing real-time urban mobility challenges through innovative solutions like air taxis and drones is a major step forward,” Timpano stated, adding that the initiative aligns with broader goals of sustainable economic development.

The regulatory framework and airspace management strategy were unveiled at the 2025 World Governments Summit, where officials underscored the UAE’s commitment to positioning itself at the forefront of advanced urban mobility.

According to Prof. Enrico Natalizio, Chief Researcher at TII’s Autonomous Robotics Research Center, the project leverages AI to enable real-time decision-making for air taxis and drones. “Having mastered this technology, we are now developing methodologies for AAM corridor design that will optimize routes, ensure collision avoidance, and integrate seamlessly with urban airspace,” Natalizio said.