Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) have forged a groundbreaking partnership with Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports) to pioneer sustainable tourism through electric air mobility. This alliance, marked by a forward-thinking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to propel Ras Al Khaimah into the future of transportation, aligning with RAKTA’s Strategic Plan 2030.
Innovative air taxi ecosystem:
Under the MoU, 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. Commercial operations are anticipated to commence by 2027, promising fast, convenient, and zero-emission transport to key attractions such as Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra, and Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak.
This transformative project integrates Skyports’ vertiport infrastructure with RAKTA’s transport network, significantly reducing travel times. For instance, a journey from Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais, typically taking 70 minutes by car, will be trimmed to less than 20 minutes via air taxi services, enhancing the tourist experience and promoting sustainable travel practices.
Sustainable development focus
The vertiport network not only enhances accessibility but also supports Ras Al Khaimah’s goal of responsibly attracting 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030. By offering zero-emission transport options, the Emirate underscores its commitment to environmental stewardship and aligns with Skyports’ sustainable design approach.
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Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi, Director General, RAKTA, highlighted the partnership’s significance in revolutionising transportation sustainably. “This partnership marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to revolutionise transportation in to launch electric air taxi services in the Emirate. This collaboration further underscores our commitment to providing the essential enabling infrastructure for zero-emission aviation across the UAE,” he mentioned.
This strategic partnership not only heralds a new era of sustainable tourism but also cements Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation as a forward-thinking destination committed to environmental responsibility and cutting-edge transportation solutions.
