PAL-V unveils flying car in UAE, eyes 2027 launch

The dream of flying cars could soon be a reality in the UAE, as Dutch mobility company PAL-V unveiled its two-seater flying car in Sharjah on Thursday, Khaleej Times reported.

The "flydrive mobility car" can take off from a 250-meter strip and has foldable propellers, transforming it from a flying vehicle to a roadworthy car. PAL-V expects the vehicle to be ready for the skies in 2027, pending regulatory approvals from local authorities.

With a base price of $800,000 (Dh2.9 million), the flying car can carry two passengers and 20 kilograms of luggage. Powered by a combustion engine, it has a 500-kilometer range on a full fuel tank and flies at a low altitude, making it useful for emergency medical transport, border patrol, and military operations.

Robert Dingemanse, CEO and co-founder of PAL-V, described the vehicle as faster and more cost-effective than helicopters, with the added advantage of being able to use existing infrastructure.

“It's cheaper than a helicopter and can land near any spot, with a drive option always available,” Dingemanse said.

The flying car may also be used as a flying taxi, depending on decisions by the UAE authorities. PAL-V plans to establish a pilot training institute in the UAE or the wider Middle East.

The company has already received pre-orders worth over 150 million euros, with UAE-based aviation company Jetex placing an order for more than 100 vehicles.

PAL-V is not alone in the race to bring flying taxis to the UAE. Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation are also planning launches in the region, with Archer aiming to test flights of its Midnight aircraft in the UAE this summer.

The UAE is taking steps to prepare for the new mode of transport. In January 2025, the UAE's first commercial vertiport for flying taxis was named Dubai International Vertiport (DXV), reflecting both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Hussain Almahmoudi, CEO of the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), highlighted the significance of the flying car for sustainable transport in the region.

“As the country develops, we need different modes of transport, and technologies like this can be used for tourism, healthcare, and rescue operations,” Almahmoudi said.

SRTIP is also exploring the possibility of collaborating with PAL-V to set up an assembly unit for its flying cars. The park is home to over 20 educational institutions and 40,000 students, with state-of-the-art labs for manufacturing modern technologies.

PAL-V aims to introduce more eco-friendly and four-seater flying cars in the future.