Rooftop Runways: Evaluating the UAE’s Regulatory Framework for Vertiports in Urban Air Mobility*

Abstract

The emergence of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is driving innovation in regulatory frameworks and infrastructure development for urban air mobility globally. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a pioneering role by introducing the first national regulations for vertiports, known as CAR-HVD. This paper critically evaluates the UAE’s vertiport regulatory framework, emphasizing certification procedures, design and operational safety requirements, airspace integration, and electrical infrastructure considerations. A comparative analysis is conducted against corresponding frameworks from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Empirical insights drawn from global vertiport implementations, including case studies from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the United States, Europe, and Asia, highlight the practical impacts and effectiveness of these regulatory approaches. Additionally, a comparative cost-benefit analysis examines vertiports relative to traditional transportation modes, emphasizing their economic viability and potential revenue generation. The paper concludes by proposing policy recommendations aimed at enhancing regulatory coherence, fostering stakeholder collaboration, ensuring public acceptance, and promoting sustainability. These insights support regulators, aviation stakeholders, urban planners, and policymakers in navigating the complex regulatory landscape of advanced urban air mobility infrastructure.