Abu Dhabi is taking a major leap toward the future of air mobility with the launch of the UAE’s first hybrid heliport at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal. The facility, developed through a partnership between Archer Aviation and Falcon Aviation Services, will support both conventional helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft—signaling the emirate’s commitment to sustainable, next-generation transport solutions.
Approved by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the heliport will be the first in the world to operate under hybrid-use regulations, with newly developed standards expected to be finalized by July 2025. These will enable simultaneous operations of helicopters and eVTOLs from a shared infrastructure, streamlining integration of electric air taxis into commercial service as early as 2026.
Strategically located at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal—an entry point for over 650,000 visitors annually—the heliport offers seamless access to key tourist destinations, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, and the Corniche. The project is part of a larger push to position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in urban air mobility, combining tourism accessibility with aviation innovation.
Unlike traditional vertiport construction, the project involves converting an existing helipad into a hybrid-ready hub. The upgrade will include charging stations, expanded landing pads, and advanced safety systems designed for electric aircraft. This approach allows for a faster and more cost-effective deployment compared to building new infrastructure from scratch.
Air Synapsis, a Dubai-based vertiport design firm, is leading the layout and airspace planning to ensure the site is fully compatible with emerging urban air mobility operations. The heliport will serve as a blueprint for future projects across the UAE, helping to establish regulatory and operational benchmarks for eVTOL adoption in dense urban environments.
With eVTOL aircraft set to redefine short-distance travel, Abu Dhabi’s hybrid heliport initiative is a bold step toward sustainable aviation and smarter city connectivity. As regulatory frameworks align and infrastructure takes shape, the emirate is positioning itself at the forefront of global air mobility innovation.
