The travel time between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah is set to drop from over an hour to under 15 minutes as Joby Aviation plans to introduce its electric air taxi services in early 2027.
Initially, these flying taxis will connect Dubai International Airport’s vertiport to Al Marjan Island, home to the upcoming multi-billion-dollar Wynn Resorts. The next phase involves expanding the service from Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais, the UAE’s tallest mountain.
This launch coincides with the debut of the Middle East’s first integrated gaming resort.
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Joby’s air taxi boasts a top speed of 321 km/h and accommodates a pilot plus four passengers, all with zero emissions.
The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), Joby Aviation, and Skyports Infrastructure signed a deal on Monday to start passenger air taxi services in Ras Al Khaimah by 2027.
Per the agreement, Joby will also commence the first flying taxi service within Ras Al Khaimah.
Esmaeel Hasan Alblooshi, RAKTA’s Director-General, mentioned that this collaboration extends Ras Al Khaimah’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan 2030, focusing on multimodal transport integration.
“The air taxi service adds a fast, efficient, and eco-friendly travel option, catering to residents and tourists. It also boosts quality of life and positions Ras Al Khaimah as a modern, smart city and a global attraction,” Alblooshi stated.
On-demand Service
In a Khaleej Times interview, Anthony Khoury, Joby Aviation’s UAE General Manager, revealed plans to launch the Dubai–Al Marjan Island route in early 2027, followed by the Al Marjan Island–Jebel Jais route later that year.
“We haven’t set a frequency yet; it will be on-demand. If demand to Al Marjan Island is high, more trips will be added. We expect it to be popular, especially with the Wynn Resort opening in 2027. The Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah route will be crucial,” he explained.
Anthony Khoury
Khoury added that with Wynn Al Marjan’s concurrent opening, they aim to operate around that time, transforming Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism-heavy landscape. Flights from Dubai Airport to Al Marjan Island are planned.
Initial demand is expected from tourists.
“Initially, Dubai to Al Marjan will drive demand. RAK’s focus on adventure sports and tourism, like trekking and hiking, will help,” Khoury noted.
“In early years, it will target tourists. As more vertiports are built, RAK Airport and Downtown will become focal points, attracting residents.”
Per-Mile Cost
Khoury mentioned that the fare hasn’t been set but will be similar to Dubai’s pricing.
“It’s a per-mile price, aiming for affordability and accessibility. Initially, availability will be limited due to the long trip distance. Costs should decrease as we expand and improve technology,” he said.
Joby Aviation’s CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, expressed excitement about launching the new route with RAKTA and Skyports, building on their UAE foundation.
Skyports CEO, Duncan Walker, highlighted their 2024 MoU with RAKTA to establish a vertiport network in the northern emirate.
“We’re excited to progress with Joby as our aircraft OEM and launch partner. Our strong development on Dubai’s Vertiport Network positions us well to deliver RAK air taxi services by 2027,” Walker said.
