Dubai: The UAE has begun defining the regulatory framework and air corridor mapping for the movement of piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones.
The aerial corridors and regulations will be defined within the next 20 months, and the routes will connect key international airports and iconic places in the UAE, authorities have said.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), in partnership with Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) entities—Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and ASPIRE—announced Thursday that the UAE is “on track to reshape the way people and goods move through urban spaces.” Together with GCAA, these entities hope to define airspace regulations and develop management systems.
The new air corridors will offer innovative passenger and cargo transport solutions, relieving pressure on traditional road networks and improving connectivity.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, said, “Air corridor mapping for piloted and autonomous air taxis and drones is a crucial milestone that will enable the seamless implementation of Advanced Air Mobility into the UAE’s infrastructure.”
He added, “This initiative ensures the safe and efficient adoption of air mobility, delivering transformative solutions to urban transport and paving the way for a smarter, more connected future.”
The initiatives will be supported by TII’s expertise in airspace management, which will ensure the safe integration of piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones into urban environments. The agreement was announced during World Governments Summit 2025.
Prof. Enrico Natalizio, Chief Researcher of the Autonomous Robotics Research Center at TII, explained that TII is developing advanced AI-powered control, vision and communication algorithms for autonomous systems that enable real-time decision-making for air taxis and drones. “Having mastered this technology, we can propose methodologies for AAM corridors design to optimize routes, ensure collision avoidance, and integrate seamlessly with urban airspace, marking a key step toward efficient and safe autonomous air mobility in complex urban environments,” Prof Natalizio explained.
Dr Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said, “By advancing airspace management and integrating piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones, we are not only enhancing urban connectivity but also driving sustainable and accessible mobility solutions that will benefit future generations.”
Meanwhile, Stephane Timpano from ASPIRE said the initiative supports sustainable economic growth by creating a flexible and diverse transport system that eases pressure on urban infrastructure.
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