Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has unveiled the emirate’s first vertiport network to advance air mobility across the emirate.
The initiative was launched in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) under the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), and Abu Dhabi Airports (ADA).
This milestone initiative supports the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster’s mission to boost Abu Dhabi’s innovation-driven economic diversification.
By introducing cutting-edge advanced air mobility (AAM) infrastructure, the emirate aims to enable efficient operations for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, enhancing low-emission travel, interconnectivity, and the city’s position as a global pioneer in future transport solutions.
The network will feature over 10 state-of-the-art vertiports strategically integrated into Abu Dhabi’s transport ecosystem. Initial confirmed locations include Zayed International Airport and Al Bateen Executive Airport, with additional sites and intercity routes to be announced in later phases.
Abu Dhabi Airports will act as anchor investor and lead delivery partner, while Abu Dhabi Mobility and the GCAA will ensure regulatory compliance and operational safety through a comprehensive governance framework aligning with the emirate’s transport and airspace systems.
The vertiport network will interconnect major urban, business, and tourism zones, linking Zayed International Airport, Al Bateen Executive Airport, Yas Island, Saadiyat, and Abu Dhabi Island. Each facility will integrate with Abu Dhabi’s ground transport and digital systems, enabling seamless multimodal connectivity under the Integrated Transport Centre’s smart mobility framework.
His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, highlighted that, “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.”
GCAA Director-General said that, “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.
“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,” Al Suwaidi added.
His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director-General of ADIO, emphasized that, “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,” Al-Olama added.
The Director-General remarked that, “The launch of Abu Dhabi’s vertiport network marks a strategic step forward in building a future-ready transport system that integrates advanced air mobility solutions. Incorporating this system into the emirate’s infrastructure supports greater connectivity, operational efficiency and low-emission mobility, enhancing quality of life and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s leadership in advanced air mobility.”
Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of Abu Dhabi Mobility, underlined that, “The development of Abu Dhabi’s vertiport network marks a significant milestone in shaping the future of urban mobility. The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) 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 CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, noted that, “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.”
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