Dubai: The skies above Ras Al Khaimah witnessed a glimpse of the future as the emirate successfully tested an electric flying taxi at the Al Jazeera Aviation Club. The landmark demonstration was attended by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, alongside Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yiming and senior officials.
Sheikh Saud hailed the trial as a milestone in the UAE’s innovation journey, emphasizing that adopting smart technologies strengthens Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a hub for investment, tourism, and sustainable living. “Collaborating with global tech leaders ensures our emirate remains at the forefront of progress,” he said during the event.
Agreement with XPENG AEROHT
The ceremony also marked the signing of a strategic memorandum of understanding between the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) and Chinese firm XPENG AEROHT, developers of the futuristic “Land Aircraft Carrier.” Sheikh Saud personally handed over the UAE’s special flight permit to Zhao Deli, XPENG AEROHT’s founder, underscoring the country’s openness to cutting-edge mobility solutions.
According to RAKTA Director General Esmaeel Al Blooshi, the collaboration will explore certification, testing, and future applications of flying cars, including their use in tourism, emergency response, and even official transport. He added that the initiative fits neatly into the UAE’s low-carbon mobility strategy, presenting the Middle East with a model for sustainable aviation.
A Vehicle Built for the Future
The “Land Aircraft Carrier” showcased at the event is a fully electric flying car featuring a single-stick control system, intelligent display panel, and dual operating modes manual and autonomous. Its design prioritizes safety, efficiency, and quiet operation, making it suitable for urban transport. Demonstrations highlighted its smooth take-off and landing, leaving attendees impressed with its potential for real-world deployment.
Connecting Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah
The flying taxi project is not only about futuristic appeal but also about practical convenience. Under a memorandum signed last year by Skyport Infrastructure, RAKTA, and the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, the service is expected to connect Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai by 2027. Authorities estimate that passengers will be able to travel from Dubai International Airport to Al Marjan Island in as little as 15–18 minutes, a dramatic reduction in travel time.
Part of a Wider UAE Push
Ras Al Khaimah’s trial comes after similar demonstrations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi earlier this year. In June, Dubai hosted the maiden flight of a Joby Aviation air taxi, while Abu Dhabi welcomed Archer Aviation’s test in July. Commercial services are expected to launch in Abu Dhabi as early as next year, highlighting the UAE’s ambition to build a “low-altitude economy” driven by clean energy and advanced transport technologies.
A Vision for Innovation
For Ras Al Khaimah, the flying taxi trial is more than a technological showcase it is a statement of intent. Sheikh Saud described the achievement as proof of the emirate’s determination to turn bold visions into reality, enhancing residents’ quality of life and diversifying the economy. As flying taxis edge closer to becoming a commercial reality, Ras Al Khaimah is positioning itself firmly within the UAE’s broader blueprint for smart mobility and sustainable growth.