Date Announced for Launch of UAE’s First Electric Air Taxi Service

Travel between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah is set for a dramatic transformation, as Joby Aviation prepares to introduce electric flying taxis by the first half of 2027. The service will reduce the journey, which typically takes more than an hour by road, to under 15 minutes.

In the initial phase, flights will operate from Dubai International Airport’s vertiport to Al Marjan Island, home to the upcoming multi-billion-dollar Wynn Resorts. A second phase will connect Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak. The launch is scheduled to coincide with the resort’s opening, marking a milestone in the country’s transport and tourism sectors.

Joby’s all-electric aircraft, capable of reaching speeds up to 321 km/h, can carry a pilot and four passengers with zero operating emissions.

The Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), Joby Aviation, and Skyports Infrastructure formally signed an agreement to roll out the service in 2027. Under this partnership, Joby will also run the emirate’s first domestic flying taxi network.

Esmaeel Hasan Alblooshi, Director-General of RAKTA, said the initiative aligns with Ras Al Khaimah’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan 2030, which aims to integrate modern, eco-friendly transport solutions. “This project will provide quick, efficient, and sustainable mobility options for residents and visitors, while strengthening Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a smart city and global tourism hub,” he said.

On-demand travel

Anthony Khoury, UAE General Manager at Joby Aviation, told Khaleej Times that the Dubai–Al Marjan Island route will launch in early 2027, followed by Al Marjan–Jebel Jais later that year.

He noted the service will operate on-demand rather than a fixed schedule: “If demand for Al Marjan grows, we’ll increase flights accordingly. With the Wynn Resort opening in 2027, demand between Dubai and RAK will be significant.”

Initially, most passengers are expected to be tourists, given Ras Al Khaimah’s focus on hospitality and adventure tourism. “In the first couple of years, demand will be mainly tourism-driven. Over time, as we expand vertiports to RAK Airport and Downtown, it will also become appealing to residents,” Khoury explained.

Affordability and access

The fare structure is still under consideration, though Khoury suggested pricing will be “comparable to Dubai rates” and calculated on a per-mile basis. While early trips may be costly, prices are expected to fall as technology advances and operations expand.

Joby’s founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, said: “We look forward to launching this route with our partners RAKTA and Skyports, building on the strong foundations we’ve already established in the UAE.”

Skyports CEO Duncan Walker highlighted the momentum of the project: “After signing an MoU with RAKTA in 2024 to prepare for a vertiport network, we’re excited to now move into the development phase with Joby as our service partner. Together, we’re on track to deliver air taxi services to Ras Al Khaimah by 2027.”