Joby Aviation, a U.S.-based electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi startup, has delivered its first aircraft to Dubai and successfully completed piloted test flights in the city, marking the Middle East's first air taxi test flight. The company aims to launch commercial air taxi services in Dubai by early 2026, with trips such as Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah potentially reduced from 45 minutes to 12 minutes. Joby has secured exclusive rights to operate air taxis in Dubai through 2030 in collaboration with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority. The company is also expanding its manufacturing capacity in California and Ohio, doubling its production facilities to support FAA certification, pilot training, and aircraft maintenance, with plans to produce up to 24 aircraft per year. Joby is targeting a global rollout of zero-emission air taxis by 2025-26, with subsequent commercial service launches planned in U.S. cities including New York and Los Angeles. The CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, has been developing the technology for over a decade and recently became a billionaire again amid these advancements.