visit visa jobs in abu dhabi

Visit Visa Jobs in Abu Dhabi

• Create a job alert for similar positions

Project Sales Manager- Abu Dhabi

Logistics coordinator - gcc, * un women: driver to the head of office, gs 2, fta external post level apply by apr-30-24 agency unwomen abu dhabi, united arab emirates.

Financial Due Diligence Senior Associate - Transaction Services

Assurance graduates - watani programme - uae nationals only - abu dhabi.

• Build your CV in just a few clicks

Tax Graduates - Watani Programme - UAE Nationals only - Dubai

Assurance summer intern - uae nationals only, assurance - core assurance - external audit associate/senior associate -uae nationals-abu dhabi, uae, valuations manager, transaction services, assurance graduates - watani programme - uae nationals only - dubai, hse lead gpp, senior embedded sw engineer (gnss), education counsellor (canada and us), people also search for....

• visit visa Jobs in Dubai

• Things to do
• Where to go
• What to see
• Plan your trip
• Business events

Getting a visa for Abu Dhabi

An Abu Dhabi visit visa is free of charge upon arrival at  Abu Dhabi International Airport  for citizens of the following countries:

GCC citizens do not need a visa to enter the UAE.

Countries not listed

Citizens of all other countries will need to apply for an Abu Dhabi tourist visa, transit visa or visit visa prior to their trip.

Apply for a visa with airlines

If you are flying with Etihad Airways , a visit visa may be arranged for you upon request. If you have booked your trip through a travel agency, in most cases they will be able to arrange this for you.

Alternative visa application methods

Alternative methods to apply for an Abu Dhabi visit visa would be to apply through your nearest UAE embassy. An eye scan will be required at the airport. Cruise passengers can now apply for the multiple visa entry for AED 200.

For more information on visa types or how to get your visa, visit the Abu Dhabi Government website or call its contact centre on +971 2 666 4442 (800-555 from inside the UAE).

The Abu Dhabi Tourist Visa Explained – Rule Changes in 2022

On this page, we detail everything you need to know about tourist visas for Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Note that these visa rules apply no matter which Emirate you come in and out of.

We have updated this page following changes to the visa system in October 2022.

We have attempted to provide clear and accurate information; however, at the time of writing, some aspects of the new Visa system are not entirely clear during this transition period. This page will be amended as soon as more official information becomes available.

In addition to requiring a visa to enter the country as a tourist, please keep abreast of current COVID-19 requirements . As of 7 November, 2022, the Al Hosn “Green Pass” requirement was abolished .

Who needs to apply for a Tourist Visa?

Anyone not a GCC national or eligible for a visa on arrival (see list below) must apply for a visa in advance to visit the UAE.

You can apply either through your airline or UAE-registered tour operator for the appropriate visa.

• Visa services from Etihad Airways
• Visa Services offered by Emirates Airline
• Visa services from Fly Dubai
• Visa services from Air Arabia

A single entry transit visa for less than 48 hours is free, whilst of 4-day short-stay, visa costs 50AED.

A 30-day, single-entry visa costs in the region of 350 AED, depending on the service that you use to obtain it. Alternatively, a 60-day single-entry visa costs in the region of 650 AED. Both 30 and 60-day single-entry visit visas can be extended for a further 30 days for a fee of 960 AED.

Note that people under the age of 18 cannot apply for a tourist visa unless they are travelling with their parents.

Visa-Free Entry to the UAE

Citizens from  GCC Countries   do not need to apply for a visa on arrival to the UAE.

Countries eligible for Visa on Arrival

Upon landing at Abu Dhabi International Airport, simply make your way to immigration, where your visa will be issued.

These countries are currently eligible for a FREE visit visa on arrival to the UAE:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• People’s Republic of China
• Republic of El Salvador
• Republic of Mauritius
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• Vatican City

A visit visa for most of these countries lasts for 60 days and can be renewed for another 30 days twice. If you overstay a visit visa, the fine is 200 AED for the first day and 100 AED per day after that – see more below on overstays.

There is a 10-day grace period (this means that you won’t be fined for overstaying your visa until Day 70). 

Note that the 26 countries in the Schengen Zone had previously been allowed to stay in the UAE for 90 days, although it is unclear whether this is still the case following the immigration reforms of October 2022.

Five-Year Multi-Visit Visa (New in 2022)

A five-year multi-visit visa is also available for the above countries, which allows the holder to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days in a row and up to 180 days per year.

In order to apply for this type of visa, you need to prove that you have USD 4,000 in your bank account (for at least six months prior to the visa application) and purchase UAE Health Insurance.

Citizens of India

There are specific rules applicable to Indian citizens,  which you can find here .

If you have any concerns, you should verify this information on the UAE Government website.

What happens if my tourist Visa has expired?

If your 60-day tourist visa to the UAE has expired, you have two options:

• Where is Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station? Location, Timings & Facilities
• Remote Airport Check In For Zayed International Airport Now Open at Yas Mall
• Hafilat – The Abu Dhabi Bus Card Explained
• Leave the country before your 10-day grace period expires (ie, by day 69)
• Apply to Immigration and pay a fee to have your visit visa extended. It is currently understood that you are able to extend your 60-day visa by 30 days twice, giving you a maximum of 120 days in the UAE ( previously, you could keep renewing indefinitely by leaving the country and returning).

What is a Visa Run?

A Visa run is a common expression used for when you leave the country in order to re-enter and start a fresh visit visa immediately.

Most commonly, this is done on the UAE’s border with Oman as it is quite straightforward and inexpensive to cross by land, provided you have access to a car. We have a detailed guide on how the process works on our Dubai Travel Planner site . It is identical for Abu Dhabi, although there may be closer border crossing points to consider near Al Ain.

There is no need to do a visa run as visas can easily be renewed online, but it is still an option which helps combine costs with a trip to a neighbouring country.

Accidental overstays

It’s important to note if you leave the country during the first 60 days, your UAE Visa on Arrival will not renew upon re-entry. It’s a 60-day multi-entry Visa .  If you are travelling through Abu Dhabi, let’s say onward to Europe, then have a stopover in Abu Dhabi again, be very careful if that second stop sees you cross over from 60 days to 70 days.

Eg: You arrive in Abu Dhabi on 1 September, stay for a few days, and then fly on to Europe. You return to the UAE on 30 October.  You then spend two weeks in Abu Dhabi and fly out again on 12 November.

Even though you only stayed in the UAE for just over two weeks, your original 60-day visa was still valid on re-entry. You are considered to have overstayed your visit visa by 12 days as you did not leave the country, and it was not renewed during the 10-day grace period.

Road trip to Oman?

A good way to avoid this can be to include a trip to Oman with your Abu Dhabi trip!  Musandam is our favourite location for an overnight trip, although the closest crossing point from Abu Dhabi city is Al Ain; not only an amazing experience, but you can avoid any issues with overstaying your visa and receiving a fine by exiting the country between day 60 and day 69.

There are a few small costs involved, and depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for an e-visa in advance. Other than transportation, you have to pay an exit fee to the UAE, and a  tourist Visa entry fee to Oman, currently 5OR for a 10-day visit visa. 

Re-entering the UAE, there are no charges on the Omani or UAE side, just stamping of your passports.

If you are travelling in a hire car, you will need to check that your insurance covers Oman and obtain a ’no objection certificate (NOC)’.

Head back to our Abu Dhabi Essential Planning Page

NB If you are looking to work in the UAE and become a resident, different visa categories will apply.  You may still be instructed by a future employer to enter on a tourist visa; then you will be changed across to the appropriate visa category in due course.

Disclaimer: This information is correct at the time of publication in October 2022. We cannot be held liable for any omissions. Where possible, we have quoted the relevant source where you can verify the information. We are not travel agents and cannot arrange visas for you. This is a personal blog, our website terms of use can be found  here .

You may also like

Eid-al-fitr fireworks & celebrations in abu dhabi 2024, understanding ramadan in abu dhabi 2024 [11 march..., remote airport check in for zayed international airport..., where is abu dhabi central bus station location,..., does etihad serve alcohol, free etihad stopover in abu dhabi; are you..., can i drink alcohol in abu dhabi legal..., how to book the auh express abu dhabi..., when is it best to visit abu dhabi..., best abu dhabi sim card for tourists 2024.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Learn More

• Other languages
• Accessibility

• Information and services
• About the UAE
• Visa and Emirates ID
• Visit visas

Tourist visa

A tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. You can apply for a tourist visa through airlines, hotels and travel agents. Read about the eligibility criteria and the steps to apply.

Multiple entry 5-year tourist visa

Who is a tourist visa for, who can apply for your tourist visa, related eservices.

The multiple entry 5-year tourist visa enables tourists to enter the UAE multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days on each visit, and can be extended for further 90 days. This type of tourist visa can be issued for all nationalities.

To obtain this visa, the applicant must have:

• a bank balance of 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months
• a valid health insurance policy applicable in the UAE
• a ticket to and from the UAE

Documents required

To apply for the multiple entry tourist visa, the applicant must provide the following:

• a colored photo
• a copy of the passport
• medical Insurance
• bank statement for the last 6 months with a balance 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies
• tour programme
• a ticket for onward journey.

Read related news coverage on  WAM .

Related online services

• Issue family group multiple entry long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP
• Issue multiple entries long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP

Tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. Tourist visa can be obtained for eligible individual tourists from around the world. Females below the age of 18 are not eligible to apply for this type of visa unless they are travelling with their parents.

According to a Cabinet resolution passed in July 2018, children under the age of 18 years who are accompanying adults, can get a  free visa for their visit from 15 July to 15 September each year.

Tourist visas through airlines

Each airline has some conditions, which must be met in order for your visa to be arranged by them. One of the conditions is flying with them. For more updated and specific information, check the following UAE-based airlines for visa types, facilities, terms and conditions:

• Visa services from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Visa Services offered by Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
• Visa services from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
• Visa services from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

Tourist visas through agencies and hotels

Licensed travel agents and hotels in the UAE can arrange a tourist visa for you provided you purchase the ticket through them and maintain hotel reservation with the specific hotel.

You can also contact travel agencies in your country for any tourist packages available to the UAE in collaboration with a local tour operator.

It is important to check the authenticity of travel agents you are dealing with and refrain from paying or sending copies of your official documents until after you are 100 per cent sure the tour operator is genuine. You can seek the help of the  UAE embassy in your country  for verification.

Note: The UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas. In order to get a tourist visa to the UAE, you need to get in touch with one of the UAE-based airlines, a tour agency or a hotel (where you intend to stay) in the UAE who will apply for visa on your behalf to the official  visa-issuing authorities  in the UAE.

• Tourist visa from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Tourist visa from Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
• Tourist visa from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
• Tourist visa from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

Was this information helpful?

Give us your feedback so we can improve your experience.

Thank you for submitting your feedback.

Popular searches

• Government services around the clock
• Moving to the UAE
• العربية Other languages

• Environment
• Road to Net Zero
• Art & Design
• Film & TV
• Music & On-stage
• Pop Culture
• Fashion & Beauty
• Home & Garden
• Things to do
• Combat Sports
• Horse Racing
• Beyond the Headlines
• Trending Middle East
• Business Extra
• Culture Bites
• Year of Elections
• Pocketful of Dirhams
• Books of My Life
• Iraq: 20 Years On

UAE's travel industry set to create 23,600 new jobs this year

World travel and tourism council chief says current geopolitical tensions in the middle east have not dampened international visitors' demand for the wider region.

Tourists gather to look at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The UAE's travel and tourism sector is projected to create 23,600 additional jobs in 2024 to reach a total of about 833,000 jobs this year, with the outlook remaining strong despite the continuing Israel-Gaza war, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) .

That is up 2.9 per cent from last year and 14.7 per cent from 2019 before the pandemic that decimated the sector worldwide, the global tourism body said on Thursday in its latest UAE Economic Impact report.

Tourists to the UAE are expected to increase their spending during visits to the country that is home to the world's tallest building, iconic luxury hotels and an outpost of the Louvre museum in Abu Dhabi.

International visitor spending in the UAE is projected to grow 9.5 per cent year-on year to reach nearly Dh192 billion ($52.2 billion) in 2024, the WTTC data shows. Meanwhile, domestic visitor spending is forecast to increase by 4.3 per cent to stand at Dh58 billion.

The UAE travel and tourism sectors' contribution to the national gross domestic product in 2024 will reach Dh236.4 billion, representing 12 per cent of the total economy, the WTTC data shows. The sector's estimated contribution to the Arab world's second largest economy this year is a 7.6 per cent increase from 2023 and up 23 per cent compared to 2019.

The UAE's travel outlook is buoyed by the ease of travel through its airports, "sensible" visa policies, diverse tourism offerings, greater opportunities for business travel and the expected return of Chinese visitors to the country in larger numbers this year, Julia Simpson, the WTTC president and chief executive, told The National on Thursday during a trip to Abu Dhabi.

"The UAE is really knocking it out of the park in terms of attracting visitors," she said.

"In 2019, Chinese visitors were the third-biggest visitors to the UAE, then they dropped off the top five. I'm sure they’ll be back this year," she said, citing gradual improvements in China's airline capacity.

Dubai attracted 16.73 million tourists in 2019, before the pandemic. Reuters

The UAE in November 2022 announced an ambitious national tourism strategy that aims to raise the sector’s contribution to the GDP to Dh450 billion by 2031, with an annual increase of Dh27 billion. It also targets attracting 40 million hotel guests by 2031 and Dh100 billion in tourism investment to the UAE.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has retained its crown as the world's busiest international hub for passengers for a 10th consecutive year in 2023, as long-haul travel demand continues to boom , preliminary data by the Airports Council International (ACI) showed. DXB handled 86.9 million passengers in 2023, a 31.7 per cent increase on the previous year.

Dubai alsorecorded its best-ever annual tourism performance in 2023, with international tourist arrivals to the emirate increasing by 19.4 per cent annually to 17.15 million, according to government data.

The WTTC's 2024 outlook comes as the UAE's travel and tourism sectors grew by more than a quarter last year. They contributed a record-breaking Dh220 billion to the UAE’s GDP, or 11.7 per cent of the economy, according to the latest WTTC data.

The sectors' economic contribution in 2023 grew 26.4 per cent year-on-year and 14.3 per cent on 2019 levels, the WTTC said.

Last year, the number of travel and tourism jobs in the UAE grew 5.3 per cent to 809,300, representing one in nine jobs in the country.

After the UAE travel and tourism jobs that were lost during the Covid pandemic in 2020 were fully recovered in 2022, the sector jobs have increased 11 per cent in 2023 compared to 2019 levels.

Domestic visitor spending in the UAE fully recovered in 2022 and grew 8.9 per cent last year to reach Dh55.6 billion. This is 38.2 per cent higher than 2019.

International visitor spending surged by 39.3 per cent in 2023 to reach Dh175.2 billion, which is 12.1 per cent above 2019 levels, as the UAE continued to develop as a global tourism destination, the WTTC said.

A decade of growth

Over the next decade, the UAE's travel and tourism industry is projected to employ more than 928,000 people across the country, with one in nine residents working in the sector, the report said.

The sector will grow its annual GDP contribution to more than Dh275 billion by 2034, representing about 11 per cent of the UAE economy, it said.

The UAE’s economy has continued to expand amid government initiatives to diversify away from oil with an emphasis on growing priority sectors such as manufacturing, tourism and technology.

The UAE Central Bank has increased its 2024 growth forecast for the country's economy to 5.7 per cent, from 4.3 per cent previously, it said in December.

Middle East tourism outlook

Meanwhile in the Middle East, the WTTC expects travel and tourism sector's GDP contribution is set to reach $507 billion in 2024.

The Israel-Gaza war is a "terrible human tragedy", and in terms of its impact on tourism-dependent economies, it has most affected Palestine and Israel as they are directly involved, and countries immediately surrounding the conflict zone such as Jordan, Ms Simpson said.

"The conflict is a terrible tragedy. In tourism terms, it hasn’t spread around the Middle East. There are strong tourism numbers in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman. Egypt is also doing well."

Countries outside the immediate zone of the conflict are not included in travel advisories and airlines are maintaining strong flight connections, which are giving travellers confidence to visit the region, she said.

Asked about the impact of escalating geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran on regional tourism, Ms Simpson said the situation is "not dampening desire for people to visit the broader region" but that it is "something to keep an eye on".

The proposed single GCC tourism visa is "a smart move" that will allow smooth travel between the six-country bloc and help boost tourism numbers, Ms Simpson said, comparing it to the success of the Schengen visa in Europe.

"That visa facilitation will be very positive," she said.

Sector jobs in the region are forecast to reach 8.3 million, international visitor spending is projected to stand at $198 billion and domestic visitor spending is expected to hit more than $224 billion, the WTTC said.

This comes despite the Israel war in Gaza approaching 200 days on April 24, with devastating humanitarian and economic impact in Palestine. Israel's bombing has killed more than 38,899 Palestinians, displaced most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents and razed large areas of the enclave.

Geopolitical tensions further increased after Iran attacked Israel on Saturday in retaliation for the Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, on April 1. Israel said it has decided to respond to the Iranian attack.

The Middle East and Central Asia's economy is forecast to grow 2.8 per cent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund's latest report in April. This is a slight downwards revision from the fund's January expectation.

The Mena region's GDP is forecast to rise to 2.7 per cent in 2024, a “tepid” increase from 1.9 per cent in 2023, the World Bank said in its April report.

Checking In

Travel updates and inspiration from the past week

Q&A: Abu Dhabi’s Strategic Leap Forward in Global Accessibility

Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism + Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 10:00 AM EDT

Abu Dhabi is strengthening its global tourism profile with major infrastructure leaps, including a new airport terminal set to improve connectivity and visitor experiences in line with its expansive tourism vision.

Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism

This sponsored content was created in collaboration with a Skift partner.

Abu Dhabi is doubling down on its infrastructure development, connectivity systems, and strategic partnerships in a bid to elevate its position on the global tourism map. The UAE capital recently inaugurated the Zayed International Airport Terminal A, an 8.4 million square feet (780,000 square meters) space equipped to serve up to 45 million passengers annually. The expansion will improve the emirate’s ability to connect with destinations worldwide, pushing it into a new era of global accessibility. 

SkiftX spoke with H.E Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, to understand how these developments align with the emirate’s broader tourism goals and impact the overall visitor experience.

SkiftX: What does the opening of Terminal A at the Abu Dhabi International Airport signify in terms of strengthening Abu Dhabi’s connectivity to global travel hubs?

H.E Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani: The new terminal supports our vision of welcoming the world to experience Abu Dhabi at its own pace. Terminal A is opening Abu Dhabi to new source markets and providing the capacity to handle more international passenger traffic. All aviation stakeholders are working in tandem to ensure that their ramp-up and growth strategies go hand–in–hand with our targets. An agreement has been signed with Air France-KLM to expand connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Europe.

Abu Dhabi is within a four-hour flight for one-third of the world’s population. At triple the size of the previous terminal and with flights to more than 117 destinations worldwide, Terminal A will increase the frequency and reach of flights to and from Abu Dhabi, boosting the emirate as a destination of choice for events, business, and entertainment. 

SkiftX: Besides the new terminal, what are some recent and upcoming infrastructure developments in Abu Dhabi that travelers should know of, and how are they enhancing the tourist experience?

Al Hosani: Innovation in delivering the most fulfilling tourist experience remains a core priority for us. Among Abu Dhabi’s continually evolving entertainment hubs is Yas Bay Waterfront, located on Yas Island and home to Etihad Arena, a venue that hosts world-class concerts, sporting events, and more. Yas Island also features four indoor and outdoor theme parks: Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. 

Several other attractions are set to elevate Abu Dhabi’s commitment to culture in the coming years, including the opening of the Zayed National Museum, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. Entertainment seekers will also be excited to hear that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be coming to Warner Bros. World, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Visitors can also experience the world’s biggest man-made wave at Surf Abu Dhabi in the near future.

SkiftX: What strategic partnerships have DCT Abu Dhabi recently entered that will transform its tourism market?

Al Hosani: DCT Abu Dhabi and its partners will continue to make the emirate a top-of-mind destination to experience Emirati hospitality and a diverse range of leisure, entertainment, and cultural attractions. Abu Dhabi is a year-round destination where travelers can unwind in sun and sea resorts at pristine beaches or explore stunning natural landscapes, fun escapes, and contemporary culture, all within easy reach of each other.

Our partnerships with international organizations have led to exciting projects such as the NBA Abu Dhabi Games and UFC. Each time we work with our partners to host global sports franchises, it’s an opportunity to continue sharing Abu Dhabi with the world. Another area where we’re finding collaborative opportunities is film, with several blockbusters shot in the emirate, including the latest installment of Mission: Impossible, Dune Part 1 and Part 2, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. 

SkiftX: What new cultural experiences are on the horizon for Abu Dhabi?

Al Hosani: Our events calendar , which was launched last year and featured more than 150 back-to-back events, is continuing throughout 2024 with weekly cultural, entertainment, music, and sports events. In every action, we strive to deliver on our promise to promote, protect, and progress Abu Dhabi as a cultural and tourism destination, create unforgettable experiences for our visitors, and build a brighter future of limitless opportunities for our youth.

The development of the Saadiyat Cultural District also continues to progress. The Cultural District will be the place to experience the living culture of Abu Dhabi, where the shared story of humanity will inspire visitors. 

SkiftX: How do you envision the future of tourism in Abu Dhabi, particularly in the next five to 10 years?

Al Hosani: Our strategy aims to create new jobs, unlock investment opportunities, expand the emirate’s offering for tourists, and make Abu Dhabi a top-five global growth market. We will continue to shed light on the emirate’s many experiences, with a continued focus on Al Ain, which was chosen as the capital of Gulf Tourism for 2025. Al Ain features UNESCO heritage sites, thrilling adventure opportunities, and cultural activities.  

In the longer term, DCT Abu Dhabi will achieve its objectives through initiatives that span offerings and activations, promotion and marketing, infrastructure and mobility, visa, licensing, and regulations. Tourism is a vital economic pillar that will ensure the emirate’s prosperity for future generations.​ In addition, we remain committed to the UAE’s 2071 Centennial Plan, a roadmap for the next 50 years under our nation’s visionary leadership as we work towards becoming the best place in the world to visit, live, work, and be entertained.

To learn more about DCT Abu Dhabi, visit visitabudhabi.ae .

This content was created collaboratively by Abu Dhabi and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX .

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: abu dhabi , connectivity , cultural tourism , future of travel , infrastructure , partnerships , SkiftX Creative Studio , SkiftX Showcase: Destinations , SkiftX Showcase: Hospitality , tourism marketing

• Hi, My Account Subscriptions --> My KT Trading Contact Us Privacy Notice Sign Out

Fri, Apr 26, 2024 | Shawwal 18, 1445

Dubai 20°C

• Expo City Dubai
• Emergencies
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Umm Al Quwain

Life and Living

• Visa & Immigration in UAE
• Banking in UAE
• Schooling in UAE
• Housing in UAE
• Ramadan 2024
• Saudi Arabia
• Philippines
• Cryptocurrency
• Infrastructure
• Currency Exchange
• Horse Racing
• Local Sports

Entertainment

• Local Events

Dubai World Cup

• Track Notes
• Big Numbers
• Daily Updates
• Arts & Culture
• Mental Health
• Relationships
• Staycations
• UAE Attractions
• Tech Reviews
• Motoring Reviews
• Movie Reviews
• Book reviews
• Restaurant Reviews
• Young Times

Supplements

• Back To School
• Eid-Al-Adha
• It’s Summer Time
• Leading Universities
• Higher Education
• India Real Estate Show
• Future Of Insurance
• KT Desert Drive
• New Age Finance & Accounting Summit
• Digital Health Forum
• Subscriptions
• UAE Holidays
• Year of the 50th
• Latest News
• Prayer Timings
• Cinema Listings
• Inspired Living
• Advertise With Us
• Privacy Notice

KT APPDOWNLOAD

Uae: soon, travel from abu dhabi to dubai in just 30 minutes by flying taxis, a us-based company is developing an evtol aircraft for commercial passenger service and is expected to start operations by 2025 or early 2026.

Ashwani Kumar

• Follow us on

Top Stories

Embracing the bright side: A guide on how to cultivate optimism

The power of solitude: Why you should go on a solo trip

How to get your kids to read: Essential tips for parents

Published: Thu 25 Apr 2024, 7:22 PM

Last updated: Thu 25 Apr 2024, 10:03 PM

Flying taxis will cut travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to just 30 minutes, industry experts said, while highlighting the UAE being at the forefront of the urban mobility revolution.

Joby Aviation, a US-based company developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for commercial passenger service, is expected to start operations of air taxis by 2025 or early 2026.

“Our aircraft will be able to fly between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 30 to 35 minutes,” an executive from Joby Aviation told Khaleej Times during DRIFTx – the world’s only smart and autonomous mobility and transport event – held at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

JoeBen Bevirt, CEO of Joby Aviation, during a panel discussion, noted that the momentum seen in the UAE regarding creating infrastructure and certifying autonomous aircraft has been fantastic.

“The UAE has been able to expedite moves on building critical infrastructure,” Bevirt said and underlined that safety and noise control have been key considerations for Joby Aviation.

In February, Joby Aviation announced a signing agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi services in the Emirate by early 2026.

Other companies like eVTOL developer Archer Aviation and UAE’s aviation services operator Falcon Aviation have already announced plans to develop vertiport infrastructure for critical locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Also, both Joby and Archer have signed up for Abu Dhabi's Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster established by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).

During DRIFTx, Archer announced the signing of a framework agreement to accelerate planned commercial air taxi operations in the UAE, slated to launch as soon as next year with its Midnight aircraft.

Key components of Archer’s collaboration with ADIO include vertiport construction, operational enablement for air taxi operations in the UAE, and in-country manufacturing of Midnight aircraft. Under the agreement, ADIO will ensure local workforce development programmes for Emirati talent and facilitate the establishment of Archer’s international headquarters and centre of excellence in Abu Dhabi.

“This substantial agreement with Abu Dhabi is a pivotal moment for Archer’s commercialisation efforts across the Emirates, as it provides the catalyst to accelerate the launch of our electric air taxi service in the UAE as soon as late 2025,” said Archer founder and CEO Adam Goldstein.

Meanwhile, visitors to the DRIFTx were treated to what the future holds. There were Automated Rapid Transit (ART), TAXI self-driving taxis sporting the new livery, and driverless minibus to ferry visitors from one end to another. In between, visitors could check out the sea, air, and land demos of different innovative solutions in action. Once inside the exhibition area, top global companies showcased prototypes of flying taxis, driverless cars, drones, and several innovative systems, including visitors partaking in a real-time streaming demo of driving on the streets of South Korea.

• UAE: Flying cars to be manufactured in Abu Dhabi, creating thousands of jobs
• Dubai: Over 100 flying cars to take residents from door to door, cutting travel time
• Flying taxi in Dubai: Joby to launch service in UAE ahead of US
• Newsletters
• [email protected]

More news from Business

Dubai islamic bank q1 2024 pre-tax net profit hits dh1.85 billion, a robust growth of 22% yoy.

Total income reached to Dh5.607 billion compared to Dh4.431 billion, a solid expansion of 26.5 per cent YoY

business 2 days ago -->

UAE: Local, regional firms honoured by Sharjah Excellence Award

Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, presented the awards to the winners in various categories

UAE, Oman establish investment partnerships worth Dh129 billion

Move aims to deepen multi-sectoral cooperation

business 3 days ago -->

UAE, Saudi bright spots as Middle Eastern retailers face challenges due to geopolitical tension

Brands in the UAE and the region have been advised to create the right awareness schemes that they’re deemed neutral

Retail investors a key strength of Indian stock market

This continuous rise in investment is attributed to an emerging trend of financialisation of savings

UAE’s trademark listing surge signals rising investor trust

The UAE registered trademarks totalling 4,610 in Q1

Pan Asian cuisine set to witness exponential rise

One of the driving forces behind the growth is the adventurous spirit of millennials and Gen Z

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy attracted 9 MNCs with Dh304 billion combined value in 2023

Figure reflects the emirate’s growing appeal as a preferred investment hub for innovative technology companies

Type your keywords

• Work & Careers
• Life & Arts

US seeks alliance with Abu Dhabi on artificial intelligence

• US seeks alliance with Abu Dhabi on artificial intelligence on x (opens in a new window)
• US seeks alliance with Abu Dhabi on artificial intelligence on facebook (opens in a new window)
• US seeks alliance with Abu Dhabi on artificial intelligence on linkedin (opens in a new window)
• US seeks alliance with Abu Dhabi on artificial intelligence on whatsapp (opens in a new window)

Chloe Cornish in Dubai, Andrew England and George Hammond in London

Simply sign up to the Artificial intelligence myFT Digest -- delivered directly to your inbox.

The Biden administration is proactively encouraging US tech groups to seek artificial intelligence deals and partnerships in the United Arab Emirates, seeking to cultivate an alliance that would provide it with an edge over China in developing the revolutionary technology.

This week, Microsoft announced a $1.5bn investment in G42, an Abu Dhabi-based AI group chaired by powerful Emirati royal Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed al-Nahyan, representing the tech giant’s latest huge bet on AI.

According to people familiar with the discussions, the deal was finalised following a series of meetings over the past year brokered by the US government between investors and companies from the UAE and American tech companies including Microsoft, Google and OpenAI.

The talks are part of Washington’s efforts to achieve supremacy over Beijing in the development of artificial intelligence and other sensitive technologies.

Commerce secretary Gina Raimondo has been closely involved, a person briefed on the negotiations said, as the highest levels of the US government worked to develop closer ties between American tech groups and Abu Dhabi.

Another critical figure is Sheikh Tahnoon, the UAE’s national security adviser who also oversees a business empire and Abu Dhabi’s biggest sovereign wealth fund. He spearheads the nation’s burgeoning AI efforts as G42’s chair and was photographed presiding over the deal-signing with Microsoft.

The US-UAE meetings show how the fight to dominate emerging technologies has become geopolitical, as commercial decisions have become intertwined with national strategic and security interests.

Oil-rich Abu Dhabi has cultivated ambitions to deploy its vast petrodollar wealth to be at the heart of the global development of AI as it works to lessen its dependence on fossil fuels. It has launched MGX, a fund dedicated to AI deals, and is also expected to spend billions on research and development through government organisations such as the Advanced Technology Research Council.

AI leaders, including OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman and chipmaker Nvidia’s chief executive Jensen Huang, have become regular visitors to the Gulf state.

Altman has travelled between the UAE and Washington this month, meeting government officials and investors to discuss how AI companies and governments in both countries can work together. 

The OpenAI founder has discussed plans over an ambitious chip venture with Sheikh Tahnoon, seeking to raise billions of dollars to develop the semiconductors required to train and build AI models, according to people familiar with the discussions.

Altman has also met America’s ambassador to the UAE, Martina Strong and members of Congress and the US national security community to ensure there is enough energy, chips and data centre capacity to support the AI boom, according to a person with direct knowledge of the conversations. 

While seeking stronger ties, US officials had previously expressed unease over the UAE’s use of Chinese technology, particularly Huawei’s 5G hardware, worried that China could use these networks to access information from an important US ally. 

US lawmakers had scrutinised G42’s links to Chinese companies, over concern that the company could provide a route for US AI technology and Americans’ genetic data to reach the Chinese government and companies. G42’s chief executive Peng Xiao was born in China, studied in the US and is now a UAE citizen.

During a visit to Washington last year, Sheikh Tahnoon told his counterparts that he wanted to work towards a framework after Abu Dhabi took a “strategic decision” to focus on US tech, according to a person briefed on the UAE’s strategy. 

“The UAE views data as the new oil,” the person said. “It realised that it had to find a new way to exist between the US and China because of US concerns about Chinese tech.

“They’ve since been having very productive conversations, with Raimondo in particular,” the person added.

Given the sensitivities around national security, approval for the G42-Microsoft deal took months of talks with government officials on both sides, two people close to the negotiations said.

One of those people said the deal involved G42 pledging to remove Chinese technology — most importantly, hardware built by Huawei — from its systems.

Xiao told the Financial Times late last year that it was cutting links with Chinese partners in order to prioritise relationships with US companies, saying: “We are in a position where we have to make a choice . . . we cannot work with both sides.”

The FT reported earlier this year that the group’s venture capital arm had also divested its Chinese holdings. 

G42’s deal with Microsoft means it will have to abide by US regulations. The two have signed an “Intergovernmental Assurance Agreement”, which the companies said was drawn up in “close consultation” with Washington and Abu Dhabi. 

“Both companies will move forward with a commitment to comply with US and international trade, security, responsible AI and business integrity laws and regulations,” G42 and Microsoft said in a statement. 

Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice-chair and president, told the FT the investment “reflects confidence by our company in the UAE as a country, in G42 as a company, and in Peng as its CEO”.

The Microsoft-G42 deal appears to be the start of a broader alliance between the US and UAE over AI.

The commercial agreement represents “a starting place to define the contours of the government-to-government co-operation and partnerships”, said a person familiar with the UAE’s thinking. They added: “The UAE is not giving up on China tech and is working to manage that relationship, but there are going to be limits on the UAE’s ability to co-operate with the Chinese on tech.”

Additional reporting by Stephen Morris in San Francisco

Promoted Content

Follow the topics in this article.

• US & Canadian companies Add to myFT
• Technology sector Add to myFT
• Mergers & Acquisitions Add to myFT
• Artificial intelligence Add to myFT
• Abu Dhabi Add to myFT

International Edition