Dubai conducts first regional test of aerial taxi Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with Joby Aviation, has completed the region’s first successful test flight of the electric-powered Joby Aerial Taxi. The milestone is part of Dubai’s strategic plan to introduce electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for passenger transport by next year, reinforcing its commitment to pioneering smart mobility and enhancing access between airports, key business districts, and event venues. His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, said: “The launch of the air taxi’s trial operation reflects the leadership’s vision to advance sustainable and innovative mobility across all public and shared transport modes. It underscores Dubai’s commitment to keeping pace with rapid global transformations and developing future-ready solutions to emerging mobility challenges.” Dubai Business Events drives continued growth Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau, secured 249 successful business event bids in the first half of 2025 across major conferences, congresses, and incentive events scheduled through 2029. This marks a 29 per cent increase in bid submissions, with 391 submissions to date and a 64 per cent conversion rate, up from 58 per cent in H1 2024. These wins are expected to bring 127,087 delegates, a 35 per cent year on year increase, reaffirming Dubai’s position as a premier global destination for business events. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “Guided by the country’s wise leadership, Dubai's achievement during the first half of 2025 is a testament to the city's commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration in business events. In collaboration with our stakeholders and partners, we continue to drive the D33 vision and make Dubai a knowledge and business global hub.” DXB marks busiest first half ever Dubai International (DXB) recorded its busiest-ever first half, welcoming 46.2 million guests in the first six months of 2025, a 3.2 per cent increase compared to H1 2024. DXB handled 22.5 million passengers in Q2 alone, with May 2025 being the second busiest month ever, despite regional airspace disruptions. India, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and the US remained DXB’s top destination markets, strengthening its value to MICE and long-haul event travellers. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “DXB’s continued growth through a period of regional challenges highlights the strength of Dubai and the UAE, the agility of our operations, and the commitment of our airport community. The oneDXB mindset once again enabled us to manage disruption while elevating the guest experience and ensuring seamless global connectivity.” FHS World promotes gender diversity, women leadership The Future Hospitality Summit World is empowering women working in hospitality and tourism through #FHSWomenPower, a unique initiative to promote gender diversity and highlight the increasingly pivotal role that women leaders play in the success of the sector. #FHSWomenPower, launched at FHS Saudi Arabia in 2024 and now a regular feature at all Future Hospitality Summit events, is offering 35% discount on passes to FHS World for women hospitality leaders, taking place at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, 27-29 October.