Navigating Dubai could become significantly easier and more entertaining come July.
On Monday, the head of Dubai's Roads & Transportation Agency Mattar al-Tayer revealed plans to operate self-flying drone taxis on a regular basis by the upcoming summer, the Associated Press reported.
The egg-shaped drones, known as the EHang 184, feature four legs and a total of eight propellers.
"This is not only a model," al-Tayer said at the World Government Summit, referring to the Chinese-made 184. "We have actually experimented with this vehicle flying in Dubai's skies."
But even if the passenger-carrying drones become reality in the near future, they won't be for everyone. According to the AP, the 184 can carry one passenger weighing up to 220 pounds along with a small bag or suitcase.
Its battery will allow for up to 30 minutes of flight time and a range of up to 31 miles. While it's capable of reaching speeds as fast as 100 mph, it will typically operate at a much slower 62 mph.
Once a passenger straps in they can select their destination on a touch-screen pad and then sit back and relax.
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The drones-which have been examined by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority-would be monitored remotely by a control room on the ground, according to the AP.
Monday's announcement comes 10 months after Dubai's leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced his desire to have at least one-quarter of all passenger trips in the city to be operated by driverless vehicles by the year 2030.
The city is also exploring the idea of developing a hyperloop line that would connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
In the U.S., ride-hailing service Uber has been experimenting with self-driving cars. However, if Dubai achieves its ambitious goal, travelers could be flying through the skies above the United Arab Emirates even before they can catch a ride in a self-driving taxi.
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