Ras Al Khaimah partners with Joby Aviation and Skyports Infrastructure to develop the UAE’s inaugural electric air taxi service, promising faster, greener travel by 2027 as part of the emirate’s ambitious mobility plan.
The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority, or RAKTA for short, has teamed up with Joby Aviation and Skyports Infrastructure to create what’s shaping up to be the UAE’s very first passenger air taxi service — and they aim to have it up and running by 2027. Basically, this initiative is part of Ras Al Khaimah’s broader Comprehensive Mobility Plan 2030, and it really signals a big step forward in developing sustainable, innovative ways to move around. The goal? To shake up the current transport scene both locally and throughout the UAE.
The partnership was officially solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and a member of the Supreme Council, personally witnessed. That’s pretty significant — it shows a real top-level commitment to integrating more advanced air mobility options into the emirate’s urban and tourism fabric.
So, Joby Aviation is on board with their all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which can carry a pilot plus four passengers. Top speeds are reported to reach about 321 km/h (or 200 mph). This aircraft is designed to be quiet and emission-free — really aiming for sustainability. Travel times are expected to be drastically cut down; for example, flying from Dubai International Airport to Al Marjan Island (a key spot in Ras Al Khaimah) might take less than 15 minutes by air taxi, whereas taking a car could easily be over an hour.
Skyports Infrastructure is taking charge of building and running the vertiports necessary for these aircraft. The first vertiport is planned for Al Marjan Island, which is well connected to other transport options and is close to the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan hotel, set to open in 2027. Over time, additional vertiports will be developed, potentially linking to sites like Jebel Jais — the UAE’s tallest peak, which is popular for outdoor activities and tourism.
Interestingly enough, the plan isn’t just about moving within Ras Al Khaimah but also creating a corridor connecting it with Dubai. Once operational, this route should make trips within the UAE much faster and more convenient, benefiting residents, tourists, and business travelers alike. And, it’s worth noting that Ras Al Khaimah aims to attract around 3.5 million visitors each year by 2030, and this project will definitely help boost that goal, positioning the emirate as a smart, modern hub and a globally attractive destination.
JoeBen Bevirt, CEO and founder of Joby Aviation, highlighted that their approach — bringing together the aircraft manufacturer, infrastructure builders, and regulators from the very beginning — sets a sort of global example. He’s optimistic that this close-knit collaboration will speed up the rollout of commercial air taxi services, not only in Ras Al Khaimah but throughout the UAE as well.
On the other hand, Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, mentioned that they’ve made solid progress since signing their initial agreement with RAKTA back in May 2024. With work well underway on setting up vertiports in Dubai, and Joby ready to operate the taxis, the team believes they’re in a prime position to deliver these services to Ras Al Khaimah by 2027.
Basically, this whole air taxi plan lines up with the UAE’s broader vision of using the latest tech to change urban mobility — and do so in a way that’s kind to the environment. It’s about creating a smooth, integrated transportation network that improves quality of life and meets the increasing demand for quick, reliable travel. Zero-emission, quiet, fast air travel could fundamentally change the way short trips are done — especially when roads are often crowded and congested.
And beyond just being convenient, this project has the potential to boost tourism and economic growth by cutting down travel times between the emirates and popular destinations like Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra, and Jebel Jais. Commercial flights are expected to start in 2027, building on Joby’s already extensive flight testing — they’ve flown over 40,000 miles so far — with plans to start passenger flights in Dubai possibly as soon as 2026.
All in all, this Ras Al Khaimah air taxi initiative is a pretty clear example of how innovation, sustainability, and smart urban planning can come together to change the mobility game in the UAE. As the country pushes toward its 2030 targets, projects like this are vital for positioning the UAE as a global leader in clean, tech-driven transport solutions. And for those interested in climate tech and futuristic transport, this is a prime example of how advanced, eco-friendly modes are actually becoming a reality — meeting both current demands and future needs.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.gccbusinessnews.com/air-taxi-service-in-ras-al-khaimah/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.rakta.gov.ae/news/rakta-joby-and-skyports-partner-to-launch-air-taxi-service-in-ras-al-khaimah-by-2027/ – The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), Joby Aviation, and Skyports Infrastructure have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a passenger air taxi service in Ras Al Khaimah by 2027. This collaboration aims to integrate advanced transport solutions within Ras Al Khaimah’s urban and tourism ecosystem, aligning with the emirate’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan 2030, which focuses on innovation, sustainability, and transport integration. The service will provide fast, efficient, and eco-friendly mobility options for residents and visitors, enhancing the quality of life and reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a modern, smart city and attractive global destination.
- https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/09/29/ras-al-khaimah-to-launch-first-air-taxi-service-by-2027-travel-time-to-dubai-to-be-reduced-by-45-minutes – Ras Al Khaimah is set to launch its first air taxi service by 2027, aiming to reduce travel time between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah by up to 45 minutes. The partnership between RAKTA, Joby Aviation, and Skyports Infrastructure will establish an inter-emirate corridor connecting Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah’s key developments, including Al Marjan Island and Jebel Jais. Joby’s all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, designed to transport a pilot and up to four passengers, will offer faster, quieter, and more convenient air travel for short commutes and seamless mobility across the region.
- https://emiratitimes.com/ras-al-khaimah-to-launch-uaes-1st-air-taxi-service-by-2027/ – Ras Al Khaimah has partnered with Joby Aviation and Skyports Infrastructure to introduce the UAE’s first air taxi service by 2027. The initiative reflects the UAE’s vision for shaping the future through innovative and sustainable mobility solutions, aiming to enhance the quality of life and strengthen Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a global destination for tourism, investment, work, and living. The service will provide fast, efficient, and eco-friendly mobility options, meeting the needs of both residents and visitors, and contributing to the emirate’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan 2030.
- https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2024/05/07/uae-s-ras-al-khaimah-to-launch-electric-air-taxis-by-2027 – Ras Al Khaimah is set to introduce electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxis by 2027, in collaboration with Skyports Infrastructure. The agreement involves designing, developing, and operating Ras Al Khaimah’s first eVTOL air taxi ecosystem, with commercial operations set to commence by 2027. The service will enable fast, zero-emission transport to Ras Al Khaimah’s popular areas and attractions, including Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra, and Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak. Tourists and residents can halve their travel time through the electric air taxis, with the journey from Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais taking less than 20 minutes by air taxi.
- https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2025/09/29/MA03 – His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, witnessed the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding between the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), Joby Aviation, and Skyports Infrastructure to launch the first air taxi service in Ras Al Khaimah by 2027. The ceremony took place at Sheikh Saud’s palace in Saqr bin Mohamed City, with the presence of JoeBen Bevirt, CEO and founder of Joby Aviation, and Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports. The initiative reflects the UAE’s vision for shaping the future through innovative and sustainable mobility solutions.
- https://globetrender.com/2024/05/17/ras-al-khaimah-install-vertiports-flying-taxis/ – Ras Al Khaimah is set to introduce electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxis by 2027, in partnership with Skyports Infrastructure. The agreement involves designing, developing, and operating the eVTOL air taxi ecosystem, with commercial operations set to commence by 2027. The service will enable fast, zero-emission transport to Ras Al Khaimah’s popular areas and attractions, including Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra, and Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak. The vertiport network will support Ras Al Khaimah’s objective of driving 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is based on a press release dated September 29, 2025, announcing a partnership between Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), Joby Aviation, and Skyports Infrastructure to launch the first air taxi service in Ras Al Khaimah by 2027. ([rakta.gov.ae](https://www.rakta.gov.ae/news/rakta-joby-and-skyports-partner-to-launch-air-taxi-service-in-ras-al-khaimah-by-2027/?utm_source=openai)) This press release is the earliest known publication of this specific information, indicating high freshness. However, similar initiatives have been reported earlier, such as Ras Al Khaimah’s plan to install vertiports for flying taxis in May 2024. ([globetrender.com](https://globetrender.com/2024/05/17/ras-al-khaimah-install-vertiports-flying-taxis/?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
Direct quotes from the press release, including statements from H.E. Esmaeel Hasan Alblooshi, JoeBen Bevirt, and Duncan Walker, are consistent with the original source. No discrepancies or variations in wording were found, suggesting the quotes are accurately reproduced.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from a press release issued by the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), a reputable government entity. This source is considered highly reliable, as it provides official information directly from the involved parties.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the partnership between RAKTA, Joby Aviation, and Skyports Infrastructure to launch an air taxi service in Ras Al Khaimah by 2027 are plausible and align with the UAE’s ongoing efforts to develop sustainable and innovative transportation solutions. Similar initiatives have been reported in the region, such as Joby Aviation’s application for a certificate to operate commercial air transport in the UAE in September 2024. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/joby-applies-certificate-operate-commercial-air-transport-uae-2024-09-10/?utm_source=openai)) The narrative lacks specific factual anchors like exact dates for the commencement of operations, which would strengthen its credibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is based on a recent and reliable press release from RAKTA, detailing a partnership to launch Ras Al Khaimah’s first air taxi service by 2027. The information is consistent with previous reports on similar initiatives in the UAE, and the quotes are accurately reproduced. While the lack of specific operational dates is noted, the overall credibility of the narrative is high.
