A new air taxi service is set to begin operations in Ras Al Khaimah by 2027, following a strategic partnership between the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), US-based Joby Aviation, and UK-based Skyports Infrastructure.
Faster travel in Ras Al Khaimah
For example, the journey from Dubai International Airport to Al Marjan Island, which can take well over an hour by car, could take less than 15 minutes in Joby’s air taxi flying a direct path at its top speed of 321 kph (200 mph). Joby’s aircraft is designed to transport a pilot and up to four passengers with minimal noise and zero operating emissions.
It offers faster, quieter, and more convenient air travel for short commutes, quick trips, and seamless mobility across the region.
Strategic partnership details
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, at his palace in Saqr bin Mohamed City. Sheikh Saud received JoeBen Bevirt, CEO and founder of Joby Aviation, and Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, along with senior officials including Eng. Esmaeel Hassan Alblooshi, Director-General of RAKTA.
The partnership combines RAKTA’s local authority support, Skyports’ expertise in vertiport infrastructure, and Joby’s all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to design, develop, and operate Ras Al Khaimah’s first air taxi service.
Alignment with RAK’s vision
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi said the initiative reflects the UAE’s vision for innovative and sustainable mobility solutions, improving quality of life and strengthening Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a destination for living, work, tourism, and investment. He described the project as a “transformative leap” bridging the emirate’s present and future.
The air taxi service aligns with Ras Al Khaimah’s 2030 Mobility Master Plan and will address the growing demand for fast and convenient transport within the emirate and across the UAE. The network will include an inter-emirate corridor linking Dubai’s planned Joby air taxi service to key hospitality destinations in Ras Al Khaimah.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
