First Public Test Flight: Abu Dhabi showcases autonomous air taxi over Marina, marking milestone in urban air mobility
Abu Dhabi has moved one step closer to making driverless flying taxis a reality with a successful public test flight over the iconic Abu Dhabi Marina. The 50-second demonstration, captured in a video shared by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), featured the EHang EH216-S—a two-seater, autonomous, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft—soaring over the city’s waterfront skyline, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
This first-of-its-kind flight is a major leap in integrating futuristic, emission-free urban air mobility into the UAE’s transportation ecosystem.
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Taking off from the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, the aircraft was tested under real-world conditions, including extreme temperatures, airspace coordination, and urban route navigation
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The flight was conducted in partnership with ADIO, Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC),Chinese aviation firm EHang, and UAE-based Multi Level Group (MLG), and was overseen by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)
ADIO stated the test validated key technologies necessary for safe operation of flying taxis and marked a significant step toward mainstreaming autonomous air mobility in the capital. “We are proving that urban air taxis will be a part of everyday life, here in Abu Dhabi and around the world,” said Badr Al Olama, Director-General at ADIO.
The EHang EH216-S: Certified, Autonomous, and Built for Urban Travel
The EH216-S, touted as the world’s first certified, pilotless flying taxi, is equipped with eight arms and 16 rotors powered by 32 electric motors. It features advanced redundancy systems for maximum safety and is designed for short-distance connections, tourism, and sightseeing—operating quietly and without need for traditional runways.
The aircraft’s performance in the Abu Dhabi test reflects its adaptability to hot climates and dense cityscapes, making it ideal for modern urban centers.
EHang to Set Up Base in Abu Dhabi
Looking ahead, EHang has announced plans to establish regional operations, including a final assembly line and support facilities in Abu Dhabi, aligning with the emirate’s drive to become a global leader in next-generation transport.
“Abu Dhabi continues to be a hub for innovation and the next frontier in air mobility,” ADIO said in a statement. The test flight not only highlights the UAE’s vision for future-ready transportation but also underlines its strategy to diversify the economy through homegrown tech and infrastructure investments.
