In recent years, we have witnessed an innovation in the technology of unmanned aerial vehicles, better known as drones. These advances have opened the door to the possibility that soon a large part of urban mobility will be made up of aerial cabs. 

As a result, the impressive vertiport designed by Foster + Partners in Dubai, which is at the heart of this revolution, didn’t come as a surprise to many. 

What is a vertiport? 

 
Before we give you details of this impressive project by Foster + Partners in Dubai, let’s define what is exactly a vertiport. 

A vertiport is an infrastructure specifically designed for the take-off and landing of air cabs and other vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aerial vehicles. These facilities are designed to facilitate urban air transportation and provide a fast and efficient alternative to traditional ground transportation. 

Project dimensions 

The Dubai Vertiport project contemplates an area of approximately 2,500 square meters. This size accommodates a variety of services and functions, from air cab take-off and landing, to waiting areas, and services similar to a traditional passenger terminal. 

The construction of a state-of-the-art vertiport such as the one proposed by Foster + Partners in Dubai involves a significant investment, which according to preliminary estimates is close to $200 million. This sum includes the design, engineering, construction, and equipment costs necessary to operate the ferry port efficiently and safely. 

Description of the architecture  

The architecture of the Dubai Vertiport is impressive in terms of functionality and aesthetics. Foster + Partners’ design has been conceived with a futuristic vision, using state-of-the-art technology, and cutting-edge materials. 

The main building of the Vertiport is characterized by its light and transparent structure, which allows natural light to enter, creating a feeling of spaciousness and brightness inside. The use of high-performance glass and sustainable materials is also an integral part of the design, aligning with the environmental, and sustainability values of the city of Dubai. 

The terminal will be crowned by an overhanging roof that arches and curves to create different heights throughout the interior while providing shade and preventing the terminal from overheating. Inside, this terminal will offer passengers the possibility to enjoy comfortable and modern spaces designed to provide a pleasant travel experience. 

Foster + Partners proposes to locate it next to Dubai International Airport to integrate it with the airport’s existing transportation systems, as well as with surrounding transportation hubs, such as the Dubai metro network. 

The Dubai Vertiport is a major milestone in the development of urban mobility. With significant investment, impressive dimensions, and avant-garde architecture, it will once again put this emirate at the forefront of the world in terms of architecture.