In a revolutionary leap toward futuristic transportation, Dubai is preparing to roll out over 100 flying cars by 2025-26, allowing residents to travel directly from door to door. The announcement comes after the Dubai-based company Aviterra placed a major order for PAL-V Liberty flying cars, marking a significant milestone in the UAE’s commitment to smart mobility and innovation.
This initiative aims to redefine urban air mobility and provide last-mile transport solutions, cutting down travel time drastically, especially in congested areas.
What Are These Flying Cars?
The flying cars in question are PAL-V Liberty vehicles—a hybrid between a traditional car and a gyroplane. Known globally as the first real flying car, the PAL-V Liberty blends automotive freedom with the flexibility of aerial transport, boasting cutting-edge design and safety features.
“You will be able to drive it on land and you’ll be able to turn this car into a flying vehicle within 2 minutes,” said Mouhanad Wadaa, Managing Director of Aviterra, in an interview with Khaleej Times.
The vehicle operates using regular car fuel, needs a 120-metre strip for takeoff, and can fly at an altitude of up to 11,000 feet. Once airborne, it can reach a top speed of 180 km/h and cover a range of 500 kilometers. After landing, it resumes driving like any standard car, making door-to-door mobility a reality.
How Will It Work in Dubai?
The PAL-V Liberty is designed to be parked in any standard parking spot, whether in a residential villa or public lot. This capability means the vehicle is not restricted to airports or designated flying hubs.
Dubai’s advanced infrastructure, combined with its rapid technological adoption, makes it the ideal testing ground for such next-gen mobility solutions. The flying cars will serve both private individuals and government agencies in the initial rollout phase.
“It’s a full car which people can park in the parking lot or villa,” Wadaa emphasized.
Who Can Fly Them?
Flying one of these futuristic cars won’t be as simple as hopping into a sedan. Drivers must undergo training and obtain a private pilot license (PPL). The training period will last a few months, ensuring safety and operational proficiency.
“We need to be sure that people are well trained and they should be private pilot license holders,” said Wadaa.
The vehicles are currently undergoing final certification by international and UAE aviation authorities. Certification is expected from:
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General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) – UAE
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European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
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International Air Transport Association (IATA)
The expected rollout is scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026, contingent on these certifications.
Investment and Partnership in Flying Mobility
To support this bold initiative, Loggia Investment, the investment arm of Aviterra, has made a strategic investment in PAL-V. Additionally, Aviterra has secured exclusive partnerships for operating these flying vehicles across the Middle East and Africa.
This move signifies the UAE’s intent to be a regional leader in air mobility, ensuring that the infrastructure, regulatory framework, and partnerships are in place before mass adoption.
Regional Development: Flying Cars and Air Taxis in UAE
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are pioneers in futuristic mobility, especially in the realm of air taxis and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles.
In recent months:
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Dubai signed a six-year deal with Joby Aviation to operate air taxis.
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Archer Aviation (USA) and Falcon Aviation (UAE) announced plans to develop vertiports for flying vehicles in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
These investments show the region’s deep commitment to revolutionizing urban air transport, reducing congestion, and offering eco-friendly solutions for daily commuters.
How Safe Is the PAL-V Liberty?
Safety is a core focus. The PAL-V Liberty complies with stringent aviation standards set by global authorities. Since it’s designed as a gyroplane, it offers enhanced stability and lower susceptibility to turbulence compared to other aircraft types.
Key Safety Features:
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Rotor-based stabilization
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Redundant systems for flight control
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Certified aircraft materials and components
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Parachute deployment systems (optional in future versions)
Additionally, its dual-mode (land and air) ensures it remains operable in multiple environments, allowing safe landings even in case of mechanical issues mid-air.
How Much Will It Cost?
While the exact pricing for individual buyers hasn’t been disclosed, Wadaa revealed a compelling fact:
“This vehicle is going to cost almost 10 per cent of a helicopter ride, and the operational cost will also be just 10 per cent.”
This makes it an economical solution for last-mile air transport, opening up possibilities for both luxury users and essential services (e.g., medical emergencies, surveillance, disaster response).
Economic and Environmental Impact
Flying cars could bring massive economic benefits:
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Reduced traffic congestion, saving billions in lost time and fuel
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Increased productivity, especially for high-level professionals commuting across emirates
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Boost to tourism, offering aerial city tours
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Job creation in piloting, maintenance, vertiport management, and logistics
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Lower environmental impact compared to helicopters
Dubai’s adoption of flying cars is part of a broader Smart Dubai 2030 initiative, which includes autonomous vehicles, drone taxis, and AI-powered infrastructure.
What’s Next for Flying Cars in UAE?
The timeline for flying cars in the UAE looks promising:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Final certification by EASA and IATA |
| 2025 (Early) | Pilot training programs begin |
| 2025 (End) | Initial rollout for government & private use |
| 2026 onwards | Expansion to public use, vertiport development, more regional deliveries |
The government is also planning a public awareness campaign about how to use flying vehicles safely, along with the integration of digital booking platforms, likely via apps similar to Uber or Careem.
Conclusion: The Future Has Taken Flight
Dubai continues to solidify its status as a global innovation hub, and the rollout of flying cars by Aviterra and PAL-V is a landmark achievement. This move doesn’t just enhance transportation—it redefines it.
With affordable air travel, door-to-door flying access, and world-class safety certifications, the UAE is on track to become the world leader in urban air mobility.
Stay tuned as we cover the evolution of flying cars in Dubai and across the globe.
