The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Skyports Infrastructure have announced the regulatory certification of VDX, the world’s first purpose-built commercial vertiport for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, paving the way for the future launch of commercial air taxi services in Dubai.
Officially registered as VDX under the GCAA certification process, the facility will serve as the first and primary hub of Dubai’s planned Air Taxi network. Three additional vertiports are currently under development by Skyports in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
The certification followed a comprehensive GCAA assessment covering the vertiport’s infrastructure, physical characteristics, operational procedures, safety management systems, emergency preparedness and compliance with regulatory requirements.
The milestone reinforces the UAE’s position in advanced air mobility and supports the objectives of ‘We the UAE 2031’ and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by promoting innovation, attracting investment, advancing economic diversification and enabling sustainable mobility.
VDX features two dedicated take-off and landing areas, rapid charging infrastructure for electric aircraft and high-capacity passenger facilities. The four-storey vertiport spans about 3,100 square meters and will be capable of handling up to 170,000 passengers annually once commercial operations begin.
The certification reflects collaboration between the GCAA, Dubai’s RTA, Skyports and other strategic partners involved in developing Dubai’s future Air Taxi ecosystem, supporting the UAE’s commitment to aviation safety, responsible innovation and sustainable transport.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi Director-General GCAA
“The certification of the world’s first purpose-built commercial vertiport is a historic achievement for the UAE and a defining moment for the future of aviation. It reflects the vision of our leadership, the maturity of our regulatory system and our national capability to enable innovation while maintaining the highest levels of safety. The UAE is not only preparing for the future of aviation, it is actively shaping it and establishing new international benchmarks for Advanced Air Mobility.”
Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General – Aviation Safety Affairs Sector at the GCAA, commented that, “The certification of VDX represents far more than the approval of a new aviation facility; it demonstrates the UAE’s ability to establish a robust regulatory framework for emerging aviation technologies while maintaining the highest standards of safety and oversight. This achievement reflects the GCAA’s commitment to enabling innovation through proactive regulation, rigorous certification processes and close collaboration with industry partners.”
Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports Infrastructure, said that, “This certification is a defining moment for Advanced Air Mobility, demonstrating that the infrastructure, operational standards and regulatory frameworks required for commercial eVTOL services are now a reality. With VDX now certified and construction of the wider Dubai Air Taxi Network progressing at pace, we are one step closer to launching commercial air taxi operations, and unlocking a new era of safe, efficient and sustainable urban transport.”
