In a significant move towards enhancing future transport solutions, His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and member of the Supreme Council, witnessed the signing of a tripartite cooperation agreement today at his palace in the city of Saqr bin Mohammed. The agreement involves the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority, the Ras Al Khaimah Civil Aviation Department, and the Chinese company “Aridege,” a subsidiary of “XPeng,” which specialises in advanced air mobility. This partnership aims to develop, test, and implement cutting-edge aerial mobility solutions in the emirate.
Details of the Signing Ceremony
The signing ceremony took place during an audience with Zhao Deli, founder and president of “XPeng,” alongside his accompanying delegation. Present at the event were Engineer Ismail Hassan Al Bloushi, Director-General of the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority, who also serves as Acting Director of the Civil Aviation Department, as well as several senior officials.
A Strategic Move Towards Innovation
His Highness the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah highlighted that the agreement represents a vital step in the emirate’s journey towards advancing future transport solutions by leveraging global expertise and technology to establish a more efficient and sustainable transport system that meets the rapidly growing needs of the sector. “We believe that the true value of technology is evident in its impact on people’s lives and its ability to support development and service enhancement,” he remarked. His Highness emphasized that innovation is a fundamental component of Ras Al Khaimah’s vision for the future, which aims to utilise it in creating more efficient systems that cater to the needs of the community and bolster the economy. “Our ambition is for new technologies to support our economic growth, enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s competitiveness, and improve the quality of life here, reinforcing its status as a preferred destination for living, working, investing, and tourism,” he added.
Presentation and Collaborative Opportunities
During the meeting, His Highness listened to a presentation showcasing the company’s key projects and expertise in smart electric vehicles, AI-supported mobility technologies, and advanced transport solutions. The discussion encompassed potential collaborative opportunities and avenues for joint work in areas of mutual interest. The agreement was signed by Engineer Ismail Hassan Al Bloushi on behalf of the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and the Civil Aviation Department, and by Dr. Han Guo Xian, the main representative for the Middle East from “Aridege.”
Building on Previous Collaborations
This agreement marks an extension of previous cooperation with “XPeng Aero HT,” which facilitated 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 framework and transition systematically from initial tests to more advanced verification and operational experimentation phases. Under the agreement, “Aridege” will play the role of founding partner for the Ras Al Khaimah advanced aerial mobility testing zone, establishing the first operational presence in the emirate by allocating aircraft and a specialised team to support the development of technical and operational capabilities and enhance cooperation with relevant regulatory and aviation authorities.
The testing zone aims to provide a regulated environment for assessing advanced aerial mobility technologies, evaluating their readiness, and verifying airspace requirements, operational procedures, and safety standards through gradual testing and practical demonstrations. This structured approach facilitates a considered transition from verification and testing phases to operational trials, in coordination with the Ras Al Khaimah Civil Aviation Department and relevant regulatory bodies. Additionally, the agreement lays the groundwork for exploring future applications of advanced aerial mobility technologies in sectors such as transport, tourism, logistics, and emergency response, all in accordance with existing regulatory approvals and operational readiness levels. This partnership reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s efforts to embrace future technologies, foster an environment of innovation and investment, and support international collaboration and knowledge transfer in advanced sectors, further solidifying the emirate’s position as a hub for developing and testing future transport solutions.