- Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and Skyports to introduce sustainable air transport by 2027
- The Nature Emirate be one the first vertiport networks to launch globally thanks to the UAE’s world-class electric air mobility infrastructure
- Network to connect key tourist attractions including Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra and Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak
Introduction to Electric Air Mobility in Ras Al Khaimah
In a groundbreaking move that sets a new standard for tourism and transportation within the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), in collaboration with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Skyports, has announced plans to launch a state-of-the-art electric air mobility network by 2027. This ambitious initiative aims to dramatically transform the travel landscape of the Emirate, connecting major tourist attractions through a sustainable and efficient network of vertiports.
Innovative Transportation for Enhanced Tourist Experience
The planned network will connect iconic destinations such as Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra, and Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE, offering quick and eco-friendly travel options. Currently, a trip from Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais by car takes about 70 minutes. With the new air taxi service, this journey time will be reduced to under 20 minutes, revolutionizing the way tourists and residents experience travel within Ras Al Khaimah.
Strategic Impact on Tourism and Sustainability
This development is not just about enhancing transportation but also aligns with Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic vision to attract 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030. By integrating cutting-edge electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology, the Emirate underscores its commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. This initiative is particularly significant given the global tourism sector’s ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, with transportation being a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
Support and Vision from Local Leadership
H.E Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi, Director General of RAKTAadded: “This partnership marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to revolutionise transportation in Ras Al Khaimah. By introducing electric air mobility, we’re not just connecting tourists to our attractions, we’re forging a sustainable path forward for our Emirate. This innovative project aligns perfectly with our commitment to enhancing accessibility while minimising our environmental impact, following our 2030 strategic plan. Together, we’re shaping a brighter, greener future for Ras Al Khaimah.”
H.E Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority,expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, sharing, “The support we’ve received from the UAE government and Ras Al Khaimah authorities has been phenomenal, enabling us to innovate at an unprecedented scale and pace. In the next two years, we aim to build the infrastructure and facilities for an electric-powered transit system that will redefine the way tourists experience Ras Al Khaimah. This collaboration also perfectly aligns with our commitment to sustainable tourism. By introducing electric air mobility, we not only enhance accessibility to Ras Al Khaimah’s attractions but also significantly reduce our carbon footprint. This initiative drives 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 are eager to join forces with the leading transport and tourism organisations in Ras Al Khaimah 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. We look forward to contributing our expertise to realise Ras Al Khaimah’s ambitious transport and tourism goals.”
Future Outlook and Expansion
The establishment of an electric air mobility network in Ras Al Khaimah is a stepping stone towards the broader adoption of zero-emission aviation technologies throughout the UAE. This project not only serves as a model for other regions but also opens up new avenues for integrating advanced air mobility into existing transportation infrastructures globally.
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