Abu Dhabi unveils vertiport network to lead global shift in advanced air mobility

Credit: Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week

Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), and Abu Dhabi Airports (ADA), has launched the emirate’s first vertiport network to enable the next generation of advanced air mobility.

The initiative marks a major step forward in positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in smart and sustainable transport. It forms part of the emirate’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster, which supports innovation-driven economic diversification by deploying cutting-edge transport technologies, including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The network will include more than ten state-of-the-art vertiports fully integrated into Abu Dhabi’s wider transport infrastructure. These facilities will allow eVTOL aircraft to operate efficiently across strategic locations, supporting low-emission travel, improved connectivity and reduced congestion. Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI) have been confirmed as initial sites, with additional locations and intercity routes to follow in subsequent phases.

Abu Dhabi Airports will act as the anchor investor and primary delivery partner for the project, overseeing development, operations and commercial readiness. The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) and the GCAA will ensure the vertiport network aligns with the highest standards of safety, performance and integration, within a robust regulatory framework.

The network will connect key business and tourism hubs, such as Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Abu Dhabi Island, enabling fast, clean and efficient travel across the emirate. Each vertiport will be linked to existing transport systems, including digital infrastructure and multimodal connections through the smart systems of Abu Dhabi Mobility and the airport network.

His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, said: “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. 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 solutions.

“What we are witnessing today marks the beginning of a new era, one that reflects a qualitative leap in aviation infrastructure and reaffirms 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.”

His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director-General of ADIO, 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 solutions while solidifying the emirate’s position as a leader in future-defining industries.”

Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), 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, the Integrated Transport Centre is ensuring that advanced air mobility is embedded within a clear governance and operational framework that promotes safety, efficiency and sustainability.”

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, 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 solutions into Abu Dhabi’s transport ecosystem.”

The project represents a major step toward a sustainable, future-ready transport system in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the emirate’s leadership in advanced air mobility and setting a model for other cities worldwide.

SIGN ME UP