Dubai–Ras Al Khaimah Electric Air Taxi to Launch by 2027

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is preparing to enter a new era of travel. The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) has signed a landmark agreement with Joby Aviation, a company from the United States, and Skyports Infrastructure, based in the United Kingdom. Together, they will bring electric air taxis to Ras Al Khaimah by the year 2027.

This service will connect Ras Al Khaimah with Dubai. Today, the trip by car takes over an hour. Soon, with this new air taxi, the journey will take less than 15 minutes. The announcement was made in the presence of Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

The project is part of the emirate’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan 2030, which focuses on better transport, sustainability, and innovation.

What the Agreement Means

The project brings three partners together:

• Joby Aviation will supply and operate its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs).
• Skyports Infrastructure will build the landing and takeoff stations, known as vertiports. The first one will be built on Al Marjan Island, a growing tourism spot in Ras Al Khaimah.
• RAKTA will create the rules and make sure the service runs smoothly as part of the city’s transport system.

Joby’s aircraft are built to carry four passengers plus a pilot. They can fly up to 321 kilometers per hour (200 miles per hour), with almost no noise and zero emissions.

Travel Time Made Short

The main attraction of this project is the time it saves. At present, driving from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah can take more than one hour, depending on traffic. With Joby’s aircraft, the same trip will take less than 15 minutes.

This means:

• Tourists will reach hotels and attractions in record time.
• Business travelers will move between cities faster and easier.
• Residents will have a cleaner and smarter transport option.

The project does not just save time. It also reduces road traffic and lowers pollution.

Why Ras Al Khaimah?

Ras Al Khaimah is becoming a strong tourism hub in the UAE. Al Marjan Island, with the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Resort, is already a big attraction. The Jebel Jais mountains, home to the world’s longest zipline, also draw thousands of visitors each year.

By adding air taxis, the emirate will:

• Offer tourists a faster and more exciting way to arrive.
• Connect popular destinations like resorts, beaches, and mountain spots.
• Improve its image as a modern and forward-thinking city.

This project will help the emirate compete with global destinations and show that it is ready for the future of travel.

How the UAE is Leading Air Mobility

The UAE has already taken steps in air taxi development. Dubai is working with Joby to start its own passenger service in 2026. With Ras Al Khaimah joining in, the country will build a strong inter-emirate air taxi network.

This shows the UAE’s focus on:

• Innovation – adopting advanced technologies before many other countries.
• Sustainability – pushing zero-emission travel options.
• Tourism growth – making travel easy, quick, and attractive for visitors.

By 2027, travelers may be able to land in Dubai and fly directly to Ras Al Khaimah in minutes.

The Role of Each Partner

Joby Aviation

Joby is one of the leading companies in the eVTOL industry. Its aircraft are designed to be safe, quiet, and environmentally friendly. By operating the air taxis in Ras Al Khaimah, Joby will bring its global expertise to the UAE.

Skyports Infrastructure

Skyports specializes in building vertiports—small airports for air taxis. Their job is to design safe, modern hubs where passengers can board and land. Starting with Al Marjan Island, Skyports will expand across Ras Al Khaimah as demand grows.

RAKTA

As the transport authority, RAKTA will handle regulations. It will also ensure that the air taxi system works well with buses, taxis, and other public transport services.

Benefits of the Air Taxi Project

The project will bring several key benefits:

1. Faster Travel

Time saved is the biggest gain. The 15-minute trip changes how people move between emirates.

2. Cleaner Environment

Electric aircraft mean zero emissions. This supports the UAE’s vision for a greener future.

3. Boost for Tourism

Visitors can reach top attractions quickly. Resorts, beaches, and mountains become more accessible.

4. Support for Business

Executives and professionals can travel faster, saving time and money.

5. Innovation and Prestige

The UAE becomes one of the first countries in the world to offer a working air taxi network.

Challenges Ahead

While the project is exciting, there are challenges to solve:

• Regulations: Air traffic rules need to be set to ensure safety.
• Infrastructure: Building vertiports requires space, planning, and power.
• Costs: Prices must stay reasonable for tourists and residents.
• Public Trust: People need to feel safe using this new type of transport.
• Technology: Battery charging, maintenance, and operations need strong support.

By addressing these points, the project will be more likely to succeed.

Timeline to 2027

The plan will roll out in phases:

1. 2025–2026: Final planning, rules, and design of vertiports.
2. 2026–2027: Build vertiports, set up systems, and test aircraft.
3. Late 2027: Launch the first routes between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.

After 2027, the network may expand to other emirates and connect to airports, tourist hubs, and business centers.

Quotes from Leaders

• H.E. Esmaeel Hasan Alblooshi, Director General of RAKTA, said the air taxi project is part of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan 2030 and will make travel more sustainable and modern.
• JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby, explained that this project shows how the future of travel can be built with strong partnerships.
• Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, shared that the agreement signed with RAKTA in 2024 prepared the ground for this ambitious plan.

What This Means for the UAE

This project is not only about travel. It reflects the UAE’s global vision:

• To be a leader in smart mobility.
• To grow as a sustainable tourism destination.
• To set an example for other countries in adopting clean technology.

Ras Al Khaimah, once seen mainly as a quiet emirate, will now take a leading role in innovation and high-tech travel.