Ras Al Khaimah advances flying vehicle plans with new air mobility deal
Emirate prepares regulated zone for testing and operational trials
DUBAI – Ras Al Khaimah is stepping up efforts to develop next-generation transport systems with a new agreement focused on advanced air mobility technologies.
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, witnessed the signing of the cooperation agreement involving the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority, the RAK Department of Civil Aviation and Chinese company Aridge, an advanced air mobility company affiliated with XPeng.
سعود بن صقر يشهد توقيع اتفاقية تعاون بين هيئة #رأس_الخيمة للمواصلات، ودائرة الطيران المدني برأس الخيمة، وشركة «أريدج» الصينية، بهدف تطوير واختبار وتطبيق حلول التنقل الجوي المتقدم في الإمارة، ويؤكد أن القيمة الحقيقية للتكنولوجيا تظهر في أثرها على حياة الناس.#الإمارات… pic.twitter.com/gz1nb4B15N
— Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office (@RAKmediaoffice) September 18, 2026
The agreement is aimed at developing, testing and implementing advanced air mobility solutions in the emirate, building on earlier cooperation that included the first test flight of a flying vehicle in Ras Al Khaimah in 2025. The latest partnership is intended to take that work further, moving from initial testing towards more advanced validation and operational trials under a regulated framework.
Future mobility
The signing took place at the RAK Ruler’s palace in Saqr bin Mohammed City during Sheikh Saud’s reception of Zhao Deli, Founder and Chairman of XPeng Aeroht, and his accompanying delegation.
The meeting was attended by Eng. Ismail Hassan Al-Balushi, Director-General of the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and Acting Director-General of the RAK Department of Civil Aviation, alongside senior officials.
Sheikh Saud said the agreement represents another step in Ras Al Khaimah’s efforts to develop future mobility solutions and use global expertise and technology to create a more efficient and sustainable transport system.
He said innovation is a fundamental part of the emirate’s vision for the future, adding that technology should support development, improve services and respond to the needs of the community and economy.
Sheikh Saud also highlighted the potential role of new technologies in supporting economic growth, strengthening Ras Al Khaimah’s competitiveness and improving quality of life, while reinforcing the emirate’s position as a destination for living, working, investment and tourism.
During the meeting, Sheikh Saud was briefed on Aridge’s activities and expertise in smart electric vehicles, artificial intelligence-powered mobility technologies and advanced transport solutions. Discussions also covered potential areas of cooperation and opportunities for joint work.
Test zone
The agreement was signed by Al-Balushi on behalf of the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and the RAK Department of Civil Aviation, while Dr Han Jweishian, Chief Representative for the Middle East at Aridge, signed on behalf of the company.
Under the agreement, Aridge will become the founding partner of the Ras Al Khaimah advanced air mobility test zone. It will also be the first partner to establish an operational presence in the emirate, with aircraft and a specialised team allocated to support activities there.
The partnership is expected to strengthen technical and operational capabilities while supporting closer cooperation with aviation regulators and other relevant authorities.
The test zone will provide a regulated environment for advanced air mobility technologies to undergo testing and readiness assessments. It will also be used to validate airspace requirements, operational procedures and safety standards through phased tests and demonstrations.
The planned approach is designed to support a gradual move from technology validation and testing towards operational trials, in coordination with the RAK Department of Civil Aviation and other relevant regulatory authorities.
Wider applications
The agreement also opens the way to explore potential applications of advanced air mobility across several sectors, including transport, tourism, logistics and emergency response.
Any future deployment will remain subject to applicable UAE regulatory approvals and the operational readiness of the technologies involved.
The latest partnership builds on Ras Al Khaimah’s previous cooperation with XPeng Aeroht, including the flying vehicle test conducted in the emirate in 2025. It forms part of wider efforts to adopt emerging technologies, encourage innovation and investment, and strengthen international cooperation and knowledge transfer in advanced sectors.