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UAE maps out future of flying with air taxis and expanding hubs

The UAE is positioning itself as a laboratory for the future of aviation and a growing hub for traditional air traffic.

Abu Dhabi announced plans today to build 10 “vertiports” for electric air taxis, beginning with sites at Zayed International Airport and Al Bateen Executive Airport.

The project, which is expected to start operations in the next two years, aims to connect key commercial and tourism districts while reducing pressure on road networks, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office said.

Meanwhile, Sir Tim Clark, the longtime chief of Emirates, outlined a vision for his successors that aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as an international flight hub and enlarge its fleet with hundreds of aircraft. 

The blueprint includes moving operations to a new terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, building up network routes in Africa and Latin America, and strengthening Emirates’ partnership with budget airline flydubai, Clark told The National.

“With me out of it, at least we would have set them on the path,” Clark said. “What they do with it after that is up to them.”

Abu Dhabi hotels test checking in guests with facial recognition

Abu Dhabi is testing a facial recognition system to verify guests and speed up the check-in process at hotels across the emirate.

The system, unveiled this week during Dubai’s Arabian Travel Market conference, is now in its pilot phase at a handful of hotels.

If the test goes well, it will be rolled out to all five-star hotels in Abu Dhabi city and the Al Ain and Al Dhafra regions, with four-star establishments targeted for a future date.

The project, led by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, is a part of the UAE’s wider push to use technology to boost government efficiency and improve customer service.

Through some are opposed to use of facial recognition on privacy grounds, travelers to the emirates are already familiar with biometric systems, which are widely used in the UAE’s airports.

Upgrades to Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport are eventually expected to eliminate the need for travel documents altogether.