Abdul Latif Jameel has signed an agreement with Joby Aviation to explore aircraft distribution, local air taxi services, and related support operations in Saudi Arabia for Joby’s electric air taxis.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) could lead to the delivery of up to 200 aircraft and associated services valued at around $1 billion, reinforcing the growing economic and innovation partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, said, “This collaboration is about bringing America’s leadership in electric air mobility to the world. Together with Abdul Latif Jameel, we’re not just imagining a cleaner, safer, more efficient future—we’re building it. And there is no better partner to help unlock the extraordinary opportunity for air travel in the region.”
Hassan Jameel, Vice Chairman, Saudi Arabia, Abdul Latif Jameel, stated, “Saudi Arabia is transitioning toward a new era of mobility – one that is on-demand, shared, connected, and sustainable. eVTOL is an exciting and important component of this. We are looking forward to collaborating with Joby to support the transformation of the Kingdom’s mobility sector. This collaboration also comes as Abdul Latif Jameel Motors marks 70 years of distributing Toyota in Saudi Arabia — a strategic investor in Joby.”
With a shared commitment to cleaner, safer, and more efficient transportation, the collaboration brings together Joby’s cutting-edge technology and Abdul Latif Jameel’s deep regional expertise to accelerate the deployment of advanced air mobility in the Kingdom. The Jameel family’s previous investment in Joby’s Series C funding round, led by Toyota Motor Corporation in 2020, highlights the longstanding relationship between the two businesses and their aligned vision for the future of mobility.
Joby’s market strategy blends direct ownership in regions such as the United States with strategic partnerships in other key locations including Japan and now Saudi Arabia. In the Kingdom, the focus will be on building a comprehensive ecosystem around electric air taxi services, including aircraft distribution, pilot training, and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul support. Abdul Latif Jameel’s strong local presence and operational capabilities make it an ideal partner to facilitate Joby’s entry into the Saudi market.
Designed to carry four passengers and a pilot at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, Joby’s all-electric aircraft delivers high-speed mobility with minimal noise and zero operational emissions. Passenger service is expected to begin in Dubai in 2026. As Saudi Arabia pursues its Vision 2030 goals, this partnership supports the Kingdom’s drive to modernize its transportation infrastructure, stimulate economic diversification, and create skilled employment opportunities through innovative and sustainable technologies.
