Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and Skyport will introduce sustainable air transport by 2027.
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. The company is leading the development of vertiport infrastructure for electric air taxi services.
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 will be promoted as a future destination and will be aligned 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). 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 said: “This partnership marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to revolutionize transport in Ras Al Khaimah.” 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, said: “The support we have received from the UAE government and Ras Al Khaimah authorities has been phenomenal, allowing us to innovate at an unprecedented scale and pace. We aim to build the infrastructure and facilities for an electric transportation system that redefines the way we operate. This collaboration also aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainable tourism, with the introduction of electric air mobility. In addition to improving accessibility to Al Khaimah’s tourist attractions, this initiative will also significantly reduce carbon emissions, with the goal of establishing Ras Al Khaimah as a regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025. You can get closer.”
Duncan Walker, founder and CEO of Skyports, said: “We want to collaborate with Ras Al Khaimah’s leading transport and tourism organizations to launch electric air taxi services in the emirate. This collaboration 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.”
This announcement further strengthens the UAE’s position as a key market for the rapidly growing advanced air mobility industry. 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 of this year, Skyports raised US$110 million and welcomed new investor ACS Group to support its commercial launch.
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