Ras Al Khaimah partners with Joby Aviation and Skyports to launch the UAE’s first air taxi service by 2027, reducing Dubai–RAK travel to just 15 minutes.
RAS AL KHAIMAH: Ras Al Khaimah is on track to launch the UAE’s first air taxi service by 2027, following the signing of a strategic MoU with US-based Joby Aviation and UK-based Skyports Infrastructure.
The agreement, signed in the presence of Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, marks a landmark move in the UAE’s transition to futuristic and sustainable transport systems. The project is backed by the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) and aligns with the emirate’s 2030 Mobility Master Plan.
The initiative aims to offer a fast, eco-friendly air mobility solution that connects key destinations, including a high-speed corridor between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, cutting travel times from over an hour to just 15 minutes.
Joby Aviation’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft will play a central role. Each aircraft can carry a pilot and four passengers, flying at speeds of up to 321 km/h (200 mph), with minimal noise and zero emissions.
Skyports will develop vertiport infrastructure across the emirate, enabling seamless integration with Joby’s Dubai-based operations. This partnership represents a bold step toward advanced urban mobility and places Ras Al Khaimah at the forefront of air taxi innovation in the region.
The air taxi system will serve both internal and inter-emirate routes, supporting tourism, business travel, and short commutes. By offering an efficient alternative to road transport, the UAE’s first air taxi service is expected to elevate the quality of life and further establish Ras Al Khaimah as a dynamic investment and tourism hub.
