Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) have signed a forward-looking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports), a company leading infrastructure development vertiport for electric air taxi services. , as part of a significant new step towards the transformation of the Emirate's tourism and transport offering.
The MoU marks the beginning of a partnership that aims to pioneer sustainable tourism through electric air mobility, with Skyports set to develop a network of vertiports to connect key attractions in Ras Al Khaimah. Under the agreement, RAKTA, RAKTDA and Skyports will collaboratively design, develop and operate Ras Al Khaimah's first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi ecosystem, with commercial operations beginning in 2027.
The innovative project aims to propel Ras Al Khaimah as a destination of the future, aligning with RAKTA's Strategic Plan 2030 by seamlessly integrating Skyports' vertiport infrastructure with RAKTA's existing transport network. The project aims to provide comfortable zero-emission transportation to the most popular areas and attractions in Ras Al Khaimah, including Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra and Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the United Arab Emirates, while helping tourists and residents to save a substantial amount of time. when visiting these sites. Currently, a trip from Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais takes approximately 70 minutes by car, while air taxi services will reportedly reduce the travel time to less than 20 minutes.
The initiative also addresses the need for innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions in land transportation, a sector that accounts for 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the travel and tourism industry, as highlighted by the World Travel Council. Travel and Tourism (WTTC), with We hope to unlock future opportunities to integrate with air taxi networks in the rest of the UAE.
HE Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi, Director General of RAKTA, added: “This partnership marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to revolutionize transportation in Ras Al Khaimah. By introducing electric air mobility, we are not only connecting tourists to our attractions, but we are forging a sustainable path for our Emirate. “This innovative project aligns perfectly with our commitment to improving accessibility while minimizing our environmental impact, following our 2030 strategic plan. Together, we are shaping a brighter, greener future for Ras Al Khaimah.”
