Connect with us

News

Travel from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah in just 15 minutes: Flying taxis set to launch in 2026–27

Published

on

Spread the love

Travel between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah is set to be transformed, with trips currently taking up to two hours by car expected to take just 15 minutes by air in the next few years.

Dubai plans to become the first city in the world to launch flying taxis in 2026, with Ras Al Khaimah following in 2027. These zero-emission flying taxis will travel at speeds of up to 321kph, offering faster, quieter, and more convenient trips between the two emirates.

How It Works

The service is the result of a Memorandum of Understanding between US-based Joby Aviation, UK-based Skyports Infrastructure, and the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA).

Flying taxis will initially serve two points in RAK:

  • Jebel Jais
  • Near the upcoming Wynn Resort on Al Marjan Island

Meanwhile, Joby and Skyports are also working closely with Dubai’s RTA to launch flying taxis within the city.

Ticketing and Accessibility

Skyports CEO Duncan Walker told Dubai Eye’s Business Breakfast Show that fares will be competitively priced, ranging from Dh730 to Dh1,100 per trip, comparable to a taxi journey for the same route.

Joby’s aircraft can transport a pilot and up to four passengers, with minimal noise and zero emissions, making it ideal for short commutes and quick inter-emirate travel.

Vertiports and Infrastructure

The first vertiports (landing areas) are already under construction:

  • Dubai: Dubai International Airport, Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Mall
  • Ras Al Khaimah: Wynn Resort and Jebel Jais

Walker added that discussions are ongoing for flying taxi routes connecting Ajman, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, expanding the network across the UAE.

Aligning with RAK’s 2030 Mobility Plan

The launch supports Ras Al Khaimah’s 2030 Mobility Master Plan, which aims to meet the growing demand for convenient, sustainable travel in the northern emirate.

Flying taxis will also operate locally within RAK, enhancing mobility and connectivity for residents and visitors alike.

A Glimpse of the Future

With flying taxis, inter-emirate travel will be faster, greener, and more efficient, marking a major step toward the UAE’s vision of innovative, sustainable transport.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

News

Will UAE petrol prices rise in August? Here’s what we know

Published

on

Spread the love

UAE motorists won’t have long to wait to find out whether fuel prices will increase in August, with the Fuel Price Committee set to announce the new rates on Thursday, July 31.

The revised petrol and diesel prices will take effect from August 1.

Will fuel prices go up?

After a welcome price cut in July, the outlook for August is less certain.

Global oil prices initially fell below $70 a barrel earlier this month, raising hopes of another reduction. However, prices have since rebounded sharply, clouding the picture for motorists.

Brent crude briefly climbed above $100 a barrel, while US benchmark WTI rose to nearly us$92. Abu Dhabi’s Murban crude also surged past us$105, reflecting renewed strength in global energy markets.

Because UAE fuel prices are based on average international oil prices over the month, the late-July rally could limit or even reverse last month’s cuts.

Current UAE fuel prices

Motorists are currently paying:

  • Super 98: Dh3.40 per litre
  • Special 95: Dh3.29 per litre
  • E-Plus 91: Dh3.21 per litre
  • Diesel: Dh3.60 per litre

These rates were introduced in July after global oil prices eased earlier in the summer.

How UAE fuel prices are set

The UAE reviews petrol and diesel prices every month based on average global crude oil and refined fuel prices.

The August rates will be announced on July 31 through official government channels and will come into effect the following day.

Continue Reading

News

UAE traffic fine: Why leaving your engine idling can cost you Dh500

Published

on

Spread the love

Abu Dhabi Police are urging motorists to switch off their engines and take their keys whenever leaving their vehicles, warning that even brief stops can increase the risk of theft, fires and other safety hazards.

The advisory applies to drivers stopping at shops, petrol stations, ATMs or mosques, where some motorists continue to leave vehicles unattended with the engine running.

Safety risks

Police said leaving a running vehicle unattended creates an opportunity for theft and could also lead to mechanical problems or fire-related incidents.

Motorists were also reminded never to leave children, especially infants, inside a running vehicle, describing the practice as a serious threat to their safety.

Traffic laws

Abu Dhabi Police also highlighted that UAE traffic laws prohibit leaving an unattended vehicle with its engine running.

Drivers who fail to comply with traffic rules and official instructions can face a Dh500fine under the Federal Traffic Law.

Authorities urged motorists to adopt safe habits by turning off the engine, removing the key and locking the vehicle every time they step away, no matter how briefly.

Continue Reading

News

Dubai Airports unveils smart gate pre-check for passengers

Published

on

Spread the love

Passengers travelling through Dubai International Airport (DXB) can now check if they’re eligible to use Smart Gates before reaching passport control.

Dubai Airports has introduced the new Smart Gates Pre-Eligibility Verification service in partnership with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to make immigration faster and reduce waiting times.

How it works

Travellers can instantly verify their Smart Gate eligibility through the Pocket Flights platform or by scanning QR codes placed across airport terminals and boarding gates.

The service lets passengers know in advance whether they can use the automated passport gates, helping them avoid uncertainty at immigration.

Faster airport experience

Dubai Airports says the new feature is part of its ongoing efforts to streamline passenger journeys and improve the overall airport experience.

By allowing travellers to confirm eligibility before reaching passport control, the airport aims to speed up immigration processing and make travel through DXB more seamless for millions of passengers each year.

Continue Reading

Popular

Exit mobile version
https://headline.ae/