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RAKTA partners with Joby Aviation and Skyports for a 2027 air taxi launch

The eVTOL network will connect tourism landmarks, residential areas and business districts via dedicated vertiports.

Inside RAK Desk Published 26 Jul 2026 3 min read Share LinkedIn
Photo: Skyports Infrastructure
Key facts
  • Key year: 2027

What happened

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTA) has announced a landmark collaboration with US-based Joby Aviation and Skyports Infrastructure to introduce an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi service. The project is slated for operational launch by 2027, marking a significant leap in the emirate's transport infrastructure.

Joby Aviation will provide the aircraft, which are designed for quiet, emission-free urban flight, while Skyports Infrastructure will lead the development of the necessary vertiports. These hubs will be strategically located to connect key tourism landmarks, residential areas, and business districts, drastically reducing commute times.

The initiative aligns with Ras Al Khaimah's broader vision of integrating sustainable technology into its urban planning. By adopting eVTOL technology, the emirate aims to alleviate road congestion and provide a futuristic, seamless transit experience for both residents and high-net-worth tourists.

This partnership underscores RAK's commitment to innovation and its willingness to act as a testbed for cutting-edge aerospace technologies. The project is expected to attract further investment in the tech sector and enhance the emirate's reputation as a forward-thinking destination for global innovators.

Frequently asked

What is the main update in RAKTA partners with Joby Aviation and Skyports for a 2027 air taxi launch?

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTA) has announced a landmark collaboration with US-based Joby….

Why does this matter for Ras Al Khaimah?

It accelerates RAK’s innovation and AI ecosystem, attracting startups, talent and venture activity.

What are the key numbers behind this story?

The standout figure is 2027 (Key year). This scale underpins the strategic importance of the development for the emirate.

Sources & attribution
Every factual claim above traces to one of the following. Where a figure is an InsideRAK calculation, it is marked as such.
Source Skyports Infrastructure — original reporting 2026-07-26

InsideRAK is an independent publisher and is not affiliated with any Ras Al Khaimah government body. This report was compiled from the sources above and verified against published records. Spot an error? corrections@insiderak.com

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