Ras al khaimah: H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority, RAK Department of Civil Aviation, and Chinese company Aridge, a specialised advanced air mobility company affiliated with XPeng. The agreement aims to develop, test, and implement advanced air mobility solutions in Ras Al Khaimah.
According to Emirates News Agency, the signing took place at RAK Ruler's palace in the Saqr bin Mohammed City during Sheikh Saud's reception of Zhao Deli, Founder and Chairman of XPeng Aeroht, and the 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, along with several senior officials.
H.H. Sheikh Saud emphasized that the agreement represents a new step in the emirate's drive to develop future mobility solutions. The agreement aims to leverage global expertise and technologies to build a more efficient and sustainable transport system that aligns with growth needs and rapid developments in the sector. He also expressed that innovation is a core component of Ras Al Khaimah's vision for the future.
The agreement builds on previous cooperation with XPeng Aeroht, which conducted the first test flight of a flying vehicle in Ras Al Khaimah in 2025. The new partnership aims to expand the scope of cooperation towards developing a more integrated ecosystem, transitioning from initial testing to advanced validation and operational trials.
Under the agreement, Aridge will serve as the founding partner of the Ras Al Khaimah advanced air mobility test zone. It will be the first to establish an operational presence in the emirate by allocating aircraft and a specialised team. This will support the development of technical and operational capabilities and enhance cooperation with aviation regulators and relevant authorities.
The test zone aims to provide a regulated environment for testing advanced air mobility technologies. It will assess their readiness and validate airspace requirements, operational procedures, and safety standards through phased tests and demonstrations. The partnership also explores future applications of advanced air mobility technologies in various sectors, subject to regulatory approvals and operational readiness in the UAE.
The collaboration aligns with Ras Al Khaimah's efforts to embrace future technologies, foster innovation, and support international cooperation and knowledge transfer in advanced sectors. This contributes to the emirate's position as a destination for developing and testing future mobility solutions.