DestinationsAnalysis
Ras Al Khaimah signs Aridge deal for air mobility testing zone
XPeng-affiliated company will station aircraft and specialist team in the emirate under cooperation agreement.
Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and the RAK Department of Civil Aviation signed a cooperation agreement with Aridge on 14 January 2025 to develop and test advanced air mobility solutions in the emirate. Aridge, a company affiliated with XPeng, will station aircraft and a specialist team in Ras Al Khaimah under the agreement. The signing took place at the Ruler's palace in Saqr bin Mohammed City, according to Gulf News. Ismail Hassan Al-Balushi, who holds the position of Director-General at both the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and the RAK Department of Civil Aviation in an acting capacity, signed for the emirate. Dr. Han Jweishian, Chief Representative for the Middle East at Aridge, signed for the company.
Aridge becomes founding partner of test zone#
The agreement designates Aridge as the founding partner of the advanced air mobility test zone in Ras Al Khaimah. The company will be the first partner with an operational presence in the emirate through the allocation of aircraft and a dedicated team. The arrangement follows an initial test flight of a flying vehicle conducted in Ras Al Khaimah in 2025 under previous cooperation with XPeng Aeroht. Zhao Deli, Founder and Chairman of XPeng Aeroht, attended the signing with a delegation.
Scope covers validation and operational trials#
The partnership expands cooperation from initial testing to validation and operational trials. The test zone will support development of technical and operational capabilities and cooperation with aviation regulators and authorities, according to the published agreement. The meeting included a briefing on the company's activities in smart electric vehicles, AI-powered mobility technologies and transport solutions. No financial terms were disclosed in the published agreement.
Testing zone follows 2025 flight demonstration#
The cooperation agreement builds on the first test flight of a flying vehicle in Ras Al Khaimah conducted in 2025 with XPeng Aeroht. The new partnership moves from initial testing toward a more integrated ecosystem for advanced air mobility operations. The test zone aims to provide a regulated environment for air mobility testing in the emirate. No timeline for operational deployment was disclosed in the published agreement.
Sources1 source across 1 domain
- gulfnews.comGulf NewsAgreement signed 14 January 2025 between RAK Transport Authority, RAK Civil Aviation and Aridge; Aridge to station aircraft and team; signed by Ismail Hassan Al-Balushi and Dr. Han Jweishian; follows 2025 test flight; Zhao Deli attended
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