Today, at his palace in the city of Saqr bin Muhammad, His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Ras Al Khaimah Transportation Authority, the Ras Al Khaimah Civil Aviation Department, and the Chinese company “Aridej,” a subsidiary of XPeng and a specialist in advanced aerial mobility. This agreement aims to develop, test, and implement advanced air mobility solutions within the emirate.
The signing took place during a reception for Mr. Zhao Dili, Founder and Chairman of XPeng, along with his accompanying delegation. In attendance were Engineer Ismail Hasan Al Balushi, Director General of the Ras Al Khaimah Transportation Authority and acting Director of the Civil Aviation Department, alongside several senior officials.
Transforming Transportation Solutions
His Highness the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah stated that the agreement signifies a strategic advancement in the emirate’s efforts to develop future transportation solutions, leveraging global expertise and technology to create a more efficient and sustainable transport system that can adapt to the rapid growth and changes within the sector.
He remarked, “We believe that the true value of technology lies in its impact on people’s lives and its ability to support development and enhance services. In Ras Al Khaimah, innovation is a fundamental part of our vision for the future, and we are committed to harnessing it to create more efficient systems that meet the needs of our community and economy.”
Embracing New Technologies
His Highness further expressed the ambition for new technologies to contribute to economic growth, enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s competitiveness, and improve the quality of life, solidifying the emirate’s status as a preferred destination for living, working, investing, and tourism.
During the meeting, His Highness received a presentation highlighting the company’s pioneering work and expertise in smart electric vehicles, AI-driven mobility technologies, and advanced transport solutions, alongside opportunities for collaboration and mutual interests in various fields.
The agreement was signed by Sayed Engineer Ismail Hasan Al Balushi on behalf of the Ras Al Khaimah Transportation Authority and the Civil Aviation Department, and by Dr. Han Guo Qian, the main representative for the Middle East from Aridej.
Pioneering Aerial Testing
This agreement extends prior cooperation with XPeng Aero HT, which saw the execution of the first test flight of an aircraft in Ras Al Khaimah in 2025. The new partnership broadens the scope of collaboration to develop a more integrated system, transitioning from initial testing phases to more advanced verification and operational trials.
Under the agreement, Aridej will act as the founding partner for the Ras Al Khaimah experimental zone for advanced air mobility, establishing an operational presence in the emirate with dedicated aircraft and a specialized team to support the enhancement of technical and operational capabilities while fostering collaboration with regulatory aviation bodies.
The experimental zone aims to provide an organized environment to test advanced air mobility technologies, assess their readiness, and verify airspace requirements and operational procedures along with safety standards through gradual testing and practical demonstrations. This will enable a careful transition from verification and testing phases to operational trials, in cooperation with the Ras Al Khaimah Civil Aviation Department and relevant regulatory authorities.
Furthermore, the agreement lays the groundwork for exploring future applications for advanced air mobility technologies in areas such as transport, tourism, logistics services, and emergency response, in line with regulatory approvals existing in the country and operational readiness levels.
This partnership aligns with Ras Al Khaimah’s ongoing efforts to adopt future technologies, enhance its innovation and investment environment, and support international collaboration and knowledge transfer in advanced sectors, ultimately cementing the emirate’s position as a hub for developing and testing future transportation solutions.