Pakistan, July 1 -- Dubai has taken a big leap toward transforming urban travel as Joby Aviation completed the first test flight of its fully electric air taxi this week. The milestone marks a major step in the city's goal to launch aerial transport services by 2026 to help reduce road congestion and cut commute times.

According to Joby's UAE General Manager Anthony Khoury, the company aims to "change the way people commute." A trip from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Palm Jumeirah using the air taxi will take just 12 minutes, compared to 45 minutes by car. While the service will initially target premium travelers, Joby hopes to make it affordable for everyone over time.

The demonstration flight took place at a desert site outside...