The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), along with Joby Aviation and Skyports Infrastructure, announced a long-term collaboration to launch a passenger air taxi service network in Ras Al Khaimah by 2027.
The strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. The partnership will combine RAKTA’s support, Skyports’ expertise in developing vertiport infrastructure, and Joby’s eVTOL aircraft to design, develop, and operate the service.
H.E Esmaeel Hasan Alblooshi, RAKTA Director General, said, “This partnership reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic vision to shape the future of mobility by integrating advanced transport solutions within its urban and tourism ecosystem.
“This step is an extension of Ras Al Khaimah’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan 2030, which focuses on innovation, sustainability, and the integration of transport modes. The launch of air taxi services represents a qualitative addition that provides fast, efficient, and eco-friendly mobility options, meeting the needs of both residents and visitors. It also contributes to enhancing quality of life and reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a modern, smart city and an attractive global destination.”
The new service is aligned with RAK’s 2030 Mobility Master Plan and aims to meet the growing demand for convenient transport across the UAE. In addition to a local air taxi network, the partnership will establish an inter-emirate corridor, connecting Joby’s planned service in Dubai to hospitality developments in Ras Al Khaimah, including Al Marjan Island and Jebel Jais.
Joby Aviation’s CEO and Founder, JoeBen Bevirt, said, “Our work to deploy an air taxi service in the UAE is becoming a model for how advanced air mobility can reshape transportation systems globally. By bringing together the aircraft, the infrastructure and the regulator from day one, we are creating a clearly defined path to accelerate the launch of commercial air taxi service. We look forward to bringing this new route to life with our partners RAKTA and Skyports, and continue to build on the foundation we’ve laid across the UAE.”
Skyports Infrastructure CEO Duncan Walker added, “Following our MoU with RAKTA in May 2024 to establish the foundations for a vertiport network in RAK, we’re excited to see the project move to the next tangible phase of development with Joby as the aircraft OEM and service launch partner. With the strong progress Skyports is currently making on our Dubai Vertiport Network partnered with Joby as the air taxi service operator, together we are best placed to deliver air taxi services to RAK by 2027.”
The first vertiport will be located on Al Marjan Island, with more locations to follow in a phased development. The service is expected to significantly reduce travel times, with the journey from Dubai International Airport to Al Marjan Island taking less than 15 minutes by air, compared to over an hour by car. Joby’s aircraft is designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers with zero operating emissions and minimal noise. The company’s flight test program has already exceeded 40,000 miles flown.
