Abu Dhabi Investment Office has announced the launch of the emirate’s first vertiport network in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), and Abu Dhabi Airports. This marks a significant development in Abu Dhabi’s strategy to expand advanced air mobility and reinforce its position in innovative and sustainable transport innovation.
The vertiport network is a core initiative within the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries cluster, focusing on driving economic diversification through the deployment of next-generation mobility technologies. The planned infrastructure will allow electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft to operate efficiently across Abu Dhabi. The system is designed to facilitate low-emission travel, enhance connectivity, and support the emirate’s broader objective of integrating advanced mobility solutions across key economic and urban zones.
The network will comprise more than ten integrated vertiports located across strategic sites. Zayed International Airport and Al Bateen Executive Airport have been confirmed as central hubs in the network, with additional locations and routes to be announced in future phases. Abu Dhabi Airports has been selected as the anchor investor and primary delivery partner. The Integrated Transport Centre and the General Civil Aviation Authority are responsible for shaping the regulatory and operational framework required to ensure safety, network performance, and alignment with airspace and ground transport systems.
The network is designed to connect essential destinations across the emirate, including airports, business districts, and cultural zones. Each vertiport will be linked to Abu Dhabi’s existing transport infrastructure through integrated ground mobility and digital systems. These connections aim to ensure efficient multimodal travel and support a broader shift toward clean and innovative urban transportation.
This initiative forms part of Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to position itself as a leader in advanced mobility technologies, attract private sector collaboration, and expand high-impact industries that contribute to long-term economic resilience and growth.
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“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.”
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General, General Civil Aviation Authority
“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.
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.”
Badr Al-Olama, Director-General, Abu Dhabi Investment Office
“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 (Abu Dhabi Mobility) is ensuring that advanced air mobility is embedded within a clear governance and operational framework that promotes safety, efficiency and sustainability. This initiative reflects Abu Dhabi’s forward-looking vision for next-generation transport and reinforces its global position as a leader in smart and sustainable mobility.”
Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General, Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility)
“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. We are proud to collaborate with ADIO and the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) under this transformative partnership, which will leverage our collective strengths and cement Abu Dhabi’s position at the forefront of advanced air mobility.”
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi Airports
