UAE to Launch First Hospital-Based Vertiport at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

In a groundbreaking step toward advanced air mobility, the United Arab Emirates is set to introduce its first hospital-based vertiport at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, enabling air taxis to take off and land directly at a medical facility. The project marks a major milestone in integrating electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology into the nation’s healthcare and transport systems.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, October 8, by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Archer Aviation Inc. The initiative involves converting the hospital’s current helipad into a dual-use vertiport, supporting both helicopters and electric air taxis. Once operational, the vertiport will allow medical teams and passengers to travel between key destinations in minutes — dramatically cutting response times for emergency medical transport and organ transfers.

A New Era of Smart Medical Transport

The UAE hospital-based vertiport will be powered by Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft, a next-generation electric air taxi designed to carry up to four passengers. The Midnight offers a quiet, zero-emission alternative to traditional helicopters, making it both sustainable and city-friendly. Its flexible cabin layout can accommodate medical staff, patients, or passengers depending on the mission type.

The Midnight aircraft is capable of quick turnaround times, minimal charging needs, and short-hop operations between Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other emirates — reducing travel times from 60–90 minutes by car to just 10–30 minutes by air.

Expanding Abu Dhabi’s Air Mobility Ecosystem

This new hospital vertiport follows the UAE’s approval of a hybrid vertiport at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, part of a broader strategy to build a city-wide advanced air mobility (AAM) ecosystem. According to Bryan Bernhard, Archer’s Chief Growth and Infrastructure Officer, “This initiative connects not just destinations but essential services that support life in Abu Dhabi.”

Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi conducted a successful eVTOL test flight using the EHang EH216-S, the world’s first certified autonomous two-seater eVTOL. The aircraft completed a demonstration flight over the Abu Dhabi Marina, showcasing the UAE’s readiness to integrate aerial mobility into everyday life.

To accelerate deployment, Archer has partnered with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) to manage upcoming test flights, pilot training, and operational readiness for the Midnight fleet. These efforts align with the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for electric aviation by 2025, when Archer’s commercial air taxi services are expected to launch.

The Future of Healthcare and Air Mobility in the UAE

The establishment of the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi vertiport symbolizes a fusion of healthcare innovation and smart transport. It will enhance emergency response, support sustainable travel, and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a pioneer in future mobility solutions.

As the UAE continues to expand its advanced air infrastructure, the integration of vertiports into hospitals, cruise terminals, and urban hubs could soon transform how citizens and medical teams navigate the country.

Disclaimer: The hospital-based vertiport project at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is currently under development and subject to final regulatory approvals and operational readiness assessments.

Afsheen Gohar

Afsheen Gohar is a seasoned writer with a wealth of experience in crafting authentic and well-researched articles. Her dedication to delivering high-quality content is evident in her work, where she combines a passion for storytelling with a commitment to accuracy and depth. Afsheen’s writing reflects her ability to engage readers with compelling narratives while providing valuable insights on a diverse range of topics.