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) to expand tourism in the emirate. and took important steps toward transforming transportation.
This pivotal MoU marks the beginning of an exciting partnership to usher in sustainable tourism through electric air mobility, with Skyports developing a network of vertiports connecting key tourist attractions across Ras Al Khaimah and expanding the emirate’s It will be promoted as a future destination and linked with RAKTA’s plans. 2030 Strategic Plan.
Under the agreement, RAKTA, RAKTDA and Skyports will jointly design, develop and operate Ras Al Khaimah’s first electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi ecosystem, which is expected to begin commercial operations by 2027.
This innovative project will seamlessly integrate Skyports’ vertiport infrastructure with RAKTA’s existing transport network, providing a wide range of destinations across Ras Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra and the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais. We offer fast and convenient zero-emission transportation to Hyma’s most popular areas and attractions.
Tourists and residents visiting these iconic locations will experience significant time savings with this service. For example, traveling from Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais takes approximately 70 minutes by car. With the launch of the air taxi service, travel time will be reduced to less than 20 minutes.
The Vertiport network will transform transportation in Ras Al Khaimah and support its goal of responsibly guiding 3.5 million visitors a year by 2030. By providing zero-emission transportation, the emirate is strengthening its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
These ambitions are consistent with Skyport’s design approach, which prioritizes integration with existing public transport networks to foster more sustainable transport. Additionally, this initiative will reduce carbon emissions in the land transportation sector, a sector that accounts for 40% of greenhouse gas emissions in the travel and tourism industry, as highlighted by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). It also directly addresses the pressing need for innovative solutions for ). Additionally, it opens up opportunities to integrate with the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-wide air taxi network in the future.
HE Eng. RAKTA Secretary General Esmael Hassan Al Bourushi added: By introducing electric air mobility, we are not only connecting tourists to tourist attractions, but also paving a sustainable path for the emirate. This innovative project is fully aligned with our commitment to improve accessibility while minimizing environmental impact, in line with our 2030 strategic plan. Together, we are building a brighter, greener future for Ras Al Khaimah. ”
Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and said: And the pace. Over the next two years, we aim to build infrastructure and facilities for an electric transportation system that will redefine the way tourists experience Ras Al Khaimah. This collaboration is also fully consistent with our commitment to sustainable tourism. The introduction of electric air mobility will not only improve access to Ras Al Khaimah’s tourist attractions, but will also significantly reduce carbon emissions. This initiative will bring us closer to our goal of establishing Ras Al Khaimah as a regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025. ”
Duncan Walker, CEO and Founder of Skyports, commented: “We want to collaborate with Ras Al Khaimah’s leading transport and tourism organizations to launch electric air taxi services in the emirate. This partnership will enable zero-emission aviation across the UAE. We look forward to contributing our expertise to realize Ras Al Khaimah’s ambitious transport and tourism goals.”
Elsewhere, Skyports is leading the research, development and construction of vertiports, partnering with the world’s leading eVTOL companies to provide critical infrastructure for the launch of commercial passenger and cargo flights. In April, Skyports raised $110 million and brought on new investor ACS Group to help launch the company commercially.
This press release was created and distributed by Skyports.
