The futuristic world you imagined as a child is about to come true, with flying cars scheduled to fly above several Saudi cities by 2026.
Flying taxis will soon be seen in Saudi Arabia’s tourist sites and development zones as part of the country’s modernization plans.
These taxis are set to start operating by 2026 and will cater to important projects such as Neom and AlUla, as revealed by Saudia Airlines recently.
Volocopter will run the first public transport routes in Neom exclusively. Neom’s blueprint involves creating communities where people won’t require cars instead, they’ll rely on public transport, self-driving cars, and flying taxis.
Neom’s vision includes different transportation choices like fast public transit, shared electric and self-driving vehicles, and electric aircraft for urban air travel. The goal is to lessen dependence on roads and conventional transportation.
Saudi Arabia is actively working towards the sustainable objectives set in its Vision 2030 plan, aiming to reach net-zero emissions by 2060.
This includes initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, adopt new energy sources, and introduce a carbon capture and storage program, all contributing to the larger goal of environmental sustainability.
The French company Setec Group is also involved in sustainable urban air mobility projects in Saudi Arabia, particularly in AlUla, alongside several other French firms.
AlUla’s development is aligned with Vision 2030, aiming to strengthen its status as a significant global hub for culture and tourism.
In recent years, France and Saudi Arabia have collaborated significantly in developing AlUla, as seen through agreements like AfAlUla and RCU. These partnerships highlight Saudi Arabia’s commitment to making AlUla a major global center for culture and tourism.
Saudi Arabia Plans Flying Taxis for Hajj
Saudi Arabia is getting ready to launch air taxis for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. These taxis will transport them from King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah straight to hotels in Makkah.
Saudia’s initiative aims to offer fast and top-quality transfers. Flying taxis, as mentioned by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport, Saleh Al Jasser, will undergo testing during the upcoming Hajj events.
The premium service will have a yet-to-be-revealed fee and intends to make travel between Jeddah and Makkah hotels more efficient.
Last year witnessed a return to pre-Covid Hajj levels, with almost 2 million pilgrims, while Umrah pilgrims reached a record 13.5 million, according to Tawfiq Al Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah.