Dubai, UAE – The journey between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah is set to be revolutionized with the introduction of Joby Aviation’s electric air taxi service, expected to launch in the first half of 2027.
Travel time will be reduced from more than an hour to less than 15 minutes, offering a swift and eco-friendly alternative for commuters and tourists alike.
The service will initially operate between Dubai International Airport’s vertiport and Al Marjan Island, which will host the multi-billion-dollar Wynn Resorts. In a second phase, flights are planned to extend from Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain.
The launch aligns with the opening of the Middle East’s first integrated gaming resort, positioning Ras Al Khaimah as a modern and smart tourism hub. The air taxis are designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers, reaching speeds of 321 kmph, while producing zero operating emissions.
The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), Joby Aviation, and Skyports Infrastructure formalized their partnership on Monday, marking a major milestone for passenger air mobility in the northern emirate.
Joby Aviation will operate the first air taxi service, complementing RAKTA’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan 2030, which seeks to integrate various transport modes.
Esmaeel Hasan Alblooshi, Director-General of RAKTA, said the initiative provides a “qualitative addition” to the emirate’s transport infrastructure. “It offers fast, efficient, and eco-friendly mobility options, enhancing quality of life and reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s status as an attractive global destination,” he added.
Anthony Khoury, UAE General Manager of Joby Aviation, confirmed the service will be on-demand initially, allowing flexibility in trip frequency based on demand. “Dubai to Al Marjan Island will be the primary route, with most early users being tourists visiting the Wynn Resort,” he explained.
Khoury noted that the Al Marjan Island–Jebel Jais route will follow in the second half of 2027, catering to adventure tourism such as trekking and hiking. While residents may benefit in the future, initial operations will focus on major tourist attractions.
The fare structure has yet to be finalized, but Khoury expects pricing to follow Dubai’s per-mile model. He anticipates that costs will decrease over time as the network expands and technology advances.
JoeBen Bevirt, CEO and founder of Joby Aviation, expressed excitement about bringing the new route to life, while Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, highlighted the establishment of a vertiport network in Ras Al Khaimah as a key step in the project.
With this service, the UAE moves closer to realizing a futuristic vision of urban air mobility, combining speed, convenience, and sustainability to enhance regional connectivity.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members