Skyports signs deal to develop four-vertiport air taxi network in Ras Al Khaimah

UK Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure developer Skyports has signed a deal to operate an AAM network across Ras Al Khaimah, one of seven states which make up the United Arab Emirates. 

Skyports envisions the launch of commercial air taxi services in the third quarter of 2027 – just one year from now – and has the backing of the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) to make the nascent AAM network a reality.

Skyports advances UAE vertiport network

The first phase of the project will focus on Al Marjan Island and Jebel Jais, two of Ras Al Khaimah’s main tourism destinations, with a further two vertiports planned as the network grows.

The agreement between Skyports – a leading player in Gulf AAM development – and RAKTA is the next step in a partnership that began in 2024, progressing from an initial memorandum of understanding to a framework agreement signed in 2025.

The four-site network is intended to provide point-to-point air taxi connections within the emirate, as well as links to other parts of the UAE. 

Dubai is expected to be the first destination outside Ras Al Khaimah, connecting the planned infrastructure with a separate network being developed there.

The UAE has emerged as a frontrunner in the AAM sphere, having facilitated the development of vertiports across the country in recent years. 

AAM infrastructure to support economic development

The project is being developed as Ras Al Khaimah aims to grow its tourism and hospitality industries. The emirate is also seeking to expand transport capacity as this new investment takes place.

RAKTA said the network would complement existing road and public transport services, providing an additional means of reaching tourist destinations.

The authority’s director general, Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi, said the agreement followed several years of planning and would finally move the project towards implementation.

“Our objective is to establish a safe, integrated and future-ready mobility ecosystem that strengthens connectivity within Ras Al Khaimah and with the wider UAE,” he said.

“By preparing the infrastructure, regulatory framework and network integration early, we are positioning Ras Al Khaimah to be among the region’s leaders in the next generation of mobility while supporting the Emirate’s continued growth as an international tourism and investment destination.”

The RAKTA network is being designed to accommodate different aircraft types and operators, although the agreement does not identify which air taxi manufacturers or service providers are expected to operate the routes.

The Ras Al Khaimah project is intended to support the emirate’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan 2030, which includes transport connectivity, sustainability and integration as long-term priorities.

Two vertiports planned for first phase

The initial sites at Al Marjan Island and Jebel Jais will connect the emirate’s coastal tourism and hospitality developments with the mountains of RAK’s interior.

The proposed air taxi links are intended to reduce journey times between locations that are currently connected primarily by road.

The two additional vertiports would follow in later phases, subject to further planning, commercial assessments and approval from the UAE’s aviation regulator.

Skyports chief executive Duncan Walker said the agreement built on the company’s work in Dubai and would form another component of a carefully connected UAE AAM network.

“Ras Al Khaimah is undergoing significant growth and has a clear vision for how future mobility can support its tourism and economic development,” Walker said.

“Building on the progress we have made in Dubai, the planned network in Ras Al Khaimah represents another important step towards a more connected AAM ecosystem.

“We look forward to continuing our work with RAKTA and the relevant authorities to develop safe, scalable and future-ready infrastructure that supports connectivity within Ras Al Khaimah and, over time, across the UAE.”

UAE at the centre of the AAM movement

The company is already involved in developing vertiport infrastructure in Dubai, where commercial air taxi operations are also targeted for 2027.

Dubai is pushing ahead with its aim of becoming a global leader in AAM with the certification of the world’s first purpose-built commercial vertiport in July. 

Officially designated with the code VDX, the vertiport sits close to near Dubai International Airport and is home to the world’s first purpose-built commercial platform for electric vertical take off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles to receive regulatory certification.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) awarded the vertiport, which has also been developed by Skyports, regulatory certification for eVTOL aircraft operations.

Three additional vertiports are currently under development in the emirate, but VDX will act as the main hub within Dubai’s planned Air Taxi network. The three new sites will include the American University of Dubai, Atlantis the Royal, and the Dubai Mall.

The UAE offers a combination of political support and infrastructure development, as well as strong cooperation from the regulatory body. 

eVTOL developer Joby is making progress towards flights in the UAE, and the Dubai Airshow broke new ground last year with eVTOL aircraft joining the flying display for the first time.