Business Desk 
Oct 08, 2025
In a groundbreaking move, the United Arab Emirates is launching its first hospital-based vertiport, as announced by the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Archer Aviation Inc., on Wednesday.
In order to create the vertiport, the hospital's current helipad will be transformed into a multifunctional platform that can accommodate both conventional helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
In comparison to conventional ground transport, this creative project will drastically cut down on travel times by allowing patients to receive vital healthcare services in a matter of minutes.
The service will accommodate both non-emergency passenger transfers and urgent medical procedures.
For these missions, Archer's electric aircraft, Midnight, which is a more environmentally friendly and silent substitute for traditional helicopters, will be utilised.
The Midnight aircraft can accommodate up to four passengers and can fly quickly back-to-back with little time needed for charging.
"This partnership showcases the breadth of Archer's network vision – connecting not just places, but pillars of life in Abu Dhabi," said Archer Chief Growth and Infrastructure Officer Bryan Bernhard.
He also highlighted how Archer and the GCAA are working together to create a citywide advanced air mobility ecosystem.
Archer's flying taxis are anticipated to start operating commercially in the United Arab Emirates by the end of 2025.
Archer and Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) have teamed up to fly test flights of the Midnight aircraft in order to facilitate the rollout.
Abu Dhabi used the EHang EH216-S, a pilotless two-seater eVTOL aircraft, to successfully complete its first eVTOL test flight at the Cruise Terminal helipad in June.
This model, which has eight arms with 16 propellers driven by 32 electric motors, is acknowledged as the first certified autonomous eVTOL in the world.
The vertiport will greatly improve the UAE's capacity for medical transportation, offering patients sustainable and effective services.
Flying taxis will transform regional transport by cutting commute times between different emirates to just 10 to 30 minutes.
