In a major leap toward the future of urban air mobility, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has approved the design of the country’s first hybrid heliport at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, Zayed Port. This next-generation facility will accommodate both traditional helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, such as Archer Aviation’s innovative ‘Midnight’ air taxi.
The heliport, developed in collaboration with AD Ports Group, Falcon Aviation Services, and Archer Aviation, is strategically located at one of Abu Dhabi’s key tourism hubs that welcomes over 650,000 visitors annually. It’s poised to become the starting point for Abu Dhabi’s air taxi service, which is set to launch by 2026.
Designed to be versatile and future-ready, the hybrid heliport is part of a broader network for air mobility infrastructure being rolled out by Archer and its partners. The facility will support early-stage commercial operations with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) and aims to offer a quiet, fast, and sustainable mode of transportation across the city. 
Archer’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nikhil Goel, emphasized the potential to leverage the more than 70 existing helipads in Abu Dhabi for rapid rollout. “We plan to electrify these facilities to minimize capital investment and scale quickly,” he said, adding that test flights for the Midnight air taxi are expected to begin this summer in the capital.
The GCAA has also taken a pioneering role in establishing global standards for hybrid aviation infrastructure. It is the first aviation authority worldwide to develop a regulatory framework for heliports capable of hosting both helicopters and eVTOLs, with the official standards expected to be released by July 2025.
“This approval represents a new era for civil aviation,” said GCAA director-general Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi. “Through partnerships with leaders like Archer, AD Ports Group, and Falcon Aviation Services, we’re shaping a future where advanced, sustainable air transport becomes a key feature of our cities.”
Archer CEO Adam Goldstein echoed the importance of using existing infrastructure, calling it a strategic move to enable quicker, safer launches. The approved heliport is adjacent to popular landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Saadiyat Cultural District, reinforcing its value for both residents and tourists.
With this milestone, Abu Dhabi cements its position as a global pioneer in future-ready mobility, combining innovation with sustainable development.
