Dubai's vertical port terminal concept design is as futuristic as one can imagine Foster + Partners, an architectural, engineering and integration design firm, and Skyports Infrastructure, a designer and operator of vertical port technology, have teamed up to create a conceptual illustration of the infrastructure to be constructed near Dubai International Airport. (DXB), including flying taxi stations.
Air taxis and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft use Vertiport terminals to convey passengers.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, first announced the initiative at the World Government Summit 2023.
A number of international companies have conducted flying car tests in Dubai over the past year in preparation for the introduction of air taxis. Xpeng, a Chinese technology and electric vehicle manufacturer, conducted the first successful public flight of its X2 flying car at Gitex Technology Week in February of this year.
In February, Sheikh Mohammed announced that air taxis will begin operating in three years, making Dubai the first city in the world with a fully developed network of vertiports.
Before air taxis and eVTOL begin operations in 2026, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai is collaborating with Skyports Infrastructure and Joby Aviation to design and develop the necessary infrastructure.
According to the initial proposal, air taxis will link the Dubai airport with Downtown, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina.
eVTOL will be incorporated into Dubai's existing transport network, including the Metro and Dubai International Airport.
Foster + Partners stated that the future vertiport terminal near the Dubai airport will be elevated to facilitate aircraft takeoff and landing.
Images shared by the design firm depicted the structure winding around the airfield, connecting the arrival and departure lounges, and providing breathtaking views of the aircraft and the city beyond.
The overhanging roof and sloping facade shield the structure from direct sunlight and prevent scorching.
Foster & Partners stated that the building's facade corresponds to the adjacent metro station and its outlines are softened by landscaping. The interior spaces are designed with a refined palette of natural, inviting materials to create a relaxing atmosphere.
"We are thrilled to have created a vertiport concept that will revolutionise travel in Dubai. The conceptual vertiport connects Dubai International Airport and the Dubai Metro to provide international and domestic passengers with seamless, sustainable travel throughout the city, according to David Summerfield, studio director at Foster + Partners.
