At the unveiling of design plans for the UAE's first hybrid heliport to be constructed in Abu Dhabi. GCAA

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has granted Design Acceptance for the country’s first hybrid heliport, to be built at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in Zayed Port. The heliport will accommodate both conventional helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, such as Archer Aviation’s Midnight air taxi. It is the first of its kind in the UAE and a cornerstone of the Abu Dhabi Air Taxi project. Developed in collaboration with AD Ports Group, Falcon Aviation Services, and Archer Aviation, the project aims to provide integrated, sustainable air transport solutions across the emirate. “This milestone is not just about infrastructure — it reflects the UAE’s unwavering commitment to innovation and global leadership in Advanced Air Mobility,” said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA. The GCAA also became the first aviation authority globally to develop regulatory standards for hybrid heliports, ensuring the safe and efficient integration of helicopters and eVTOLs on the same platform. These pioneering regulations are expected to be published by July 2025. Zayed Port’s heliport was selected due to its strategic location—serving over 650,000 cruise visitors annually and offering direct access to key attractions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Cultural District. This development aligns with Archer’s broader plan to establish a robust network of air taxi operations in the UAE, with early services to be operated by Abu Dhabi Aviation. ICA/Expat Media
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