The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) has signed a long-term collaboration with Joby Aviation and Skyports Infrastructure to launch the emirate’s first passenger air taxi service network by 2027 【Joby Press Release】.
The announcement was made 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 project combines RAKTA’s governmental support, Joby’s expertise in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and Skyports’ leadership in developing vertiport infrastructure.
H.E. Esmaeel Hasan Alblooshi, Director General of RAKTA, said the initiative reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic vision for future mobility. “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.”
Joby Aviation CEO and founder JoeBen Bevirt highlighted that the UAE is becoming a model for advanced air mobility. “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,” he said. “We look forward to bringing this new route to life with our partners RAKTA and Skyports.”
Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, added: “With the strong progress Skyports is currently making on our Dubai Vertiport Network with Joby as operator, together we are best placed to deliver air taxi services to RAK by 2027.”
The service will link Joby’s planned Dubai operations to Ras Al Khaimah, including key tourism destinations such as Al Marjan Island and Jebel Jais. Al Marjan Island, home to the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan resort, will host the first vertiport, with additional sites to follow as part of a phased rollout.
For travelers, the air taxis will dramatically cut journey times. A trip from Dubai International Airport to Al Marjan Island, which takes more than an hour by car, could be reduced to less than 15 minutes by air. Joby’s aircraft, designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers, reaches speeds of 321 kph (200 mph) with minimal noise and zero operating emissions.
The collaboration is backed by Joby’s extensive flight test program—exceeding 40,000 miles flown—and builds on its preparations to carry its first passengers in Dubai in 2026. The Ras Al Khaimah service marks a major step in advancing zero-emission mobility and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global leader in next-generation transport.
