Like all big cities, Dubai has morning traffic. Despite the new railways, it’s becoming the same as driving on the A10 in Amsterdam or the sea road towards Monaco: there are too many people and cars. Flexible hours are one solution; flying cars is the other one. For people who are thinking of relocating to Dubai, the introduction of a flying car is no longer science-fiction; in Dubai they make it happen. And Saudi Arabia joins the game as well with another concept of a flying car.
The Dutch company PAL-V achieved a significant milestone, securing final regulatory approval for its Liberty flying car after a rigorous 12-year certification process. This breakthrough paved the way for the world’s first commercially available flying car to debut in the United Arab Emirates by early 2027.
It’s gonna be busy in the sky because Doroni Aerospace, a U.S.-based developer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has bolstered its ambitions with a hefty $150 million investment from a Saudi investor. Together, these developments signal that flying cars will soar over the Gulf in as little as two years, transforming transportation in one of the world’s most innovative regions.
PAL-V’s Liberty, a hybrid vehicle that combines a gyroplane with a road-legal car, represents a groundbreaking leap in personal mobility. After years of testing and regulatory hurdles, the company’s persistence has paid off. The Liberty can transition from driving to flying mode in about five minutes, boasting a flight range of 500 kilometers and a maximum airspeed of 180 kilometers per hour.
This dual-purpose design makes it ideal for both urban commutes and regional travel. In March 2024, Dubai-based Aviterra, backed by aviation giant Jetex, ordered over 100 Liberty units and invested in PAL-V, aiming to distribute them across the Middle East and Africa. The debut in Dubai aligns with the UAE’s vision to pioneer advanced technologies, building on its reputation as a hub for luxury and innovation.
PAL-V and Doroni will dominate the skies in Dubai and the Gulf
Doroni Aerospace is accelerating its own eVTOL revolution. It looks more spacey and can take off vertically from a driveway and fit in a standard garage. Based in Florida, the company secured an initial $30 million from Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Aero Industries (KAI) in February 2025, followed by an additional $150 million infusion. Doroni’s H1-X is a two-seat electric aircraft designed for personal use.
With plans to achieve FAA certification and launch by late 2026 or early 2027, Doroni is partnering with KAI to establish manufacturing in Saudi Arabia by 2027. This investment underscores the Gulf’s growing role as a financial and technological powerhouse in the flying car sector, complementing Dubai’s adoption efforts.
Cost is a critical factor in this emerging market. The PAL-V Liberty comes in two editions: the Sport, priced at approximately $399,000, and the premium Pioneer, at $599,000. Doroni’s H1-X, meanwhile, is expected to retail around $350,000, with pre-orders requiring a $1,000 deposit. These price tags position flying cars as a luxury product, far beyond the reach of the average consumer. Operating costs, including maintenance, fuel (for PAL-V’s hybrid system), and charging (for Doroni’s electric model), will add to the expense, as will the need for pilot training—though both companies aim to simplify this with minimal certification requirements, such as the FAA’s Sport Pilot Certificate for Doroni’s buyers.
The target audience is clear: affluent individuals, business executives, and early adopters in the Gulf’s wealthy elite. In Dubai, where extravagance meets practicality, the Liberty appeals to those seeking a seamless “last-mile” solution—flying over traffic-clogged roads before driving to their final destination. Doroni’s H1-X, with its eco-friendly electric design, targets environmentally conscious high-net-worth individuals, such as doctors or entrepreneurs looking to bypass urban congestion. Government agencies and emergency services are also in the mix, particularly for Doroni, but the primary focus remains personal ownership among the region’s rich and tech-savvy.
In two years, the Gulf will showcase a new era of mobility. Dubai’s skyline, already dotted with architectural marvels, will hum with the sound of flying cars, while Saudi Arabia emerges as a manufacturing hub. For the privileged few who can afford them, these vehicles promise unparalleled freedom—though the rest of us may still be stuck in traffic, gazing skyward in awe.
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