Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) and Skyports Infrastructure have today signed a binding agreement at RAKTA headquarters to develop and operate the infrastructure required for an AAM network across Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates.
The agreement marks an important milestone in moving Ras Al Khaimah’s AAM programme from the strategic planning stage to implementation, with the launch of commercial services targeted for the third quarter of 2027. It was signed on behalf of Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority by H.E. Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi and on behalf of Skyports by Duncan Walker.
The programme envisages the development of a network of four vertiports across Ras Al Khaimah, supporting both connectivity within the Emirate and future inter-emirate air mobility services.
Phase 1 will focus on Al Marjan Island and Jebel Jais, connecting two of Ras Al Khaimah’s most important tourism destinations. Two additional vertiports are planned through subsequent phases as the network expands, subject to further planning, business case development and regulatory requirements.
H.E. Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi, Director General of RAKTA, said: “This agreement is the result of several years of planning and collaboration with Skyports and represents an important step in moving AAM from vision to 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. 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.”
For Skyports, the agreement also represents a further step in the development of its wider UAE AAM infrastructure network. Following progress on its vertiport network in Dubai, the development of infrastructure in Ras Al Khaimah will create another important component of a future interconnected network across the country.
Duncan Walker, Chief Executive Officer of Skyports, said: “This agreement marks an important progression in our long-standing partnership with RAKTA and in the development of AAM infrastructure in the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah is undergoing significant growth and has a clear vision for how future mobility can support its tourism and economic development. 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.”
Image: RAKTA
