Ajman and Skyports Partner on UAE Air Mobility Infrastructure

The Ajman-Skyports Partnership: Pioneering Advanced Air Mobility in the UAE

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ajman Transport Authority and Skyports Infrastructure on July 3, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to revolutionize urban transportation. This collaboration aims to explore the development of smart aerial transport infrastructure, including vertiports and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) operations in the Emirate of Ajman. The agreement reflects a broader national strategy to integrate advanced air mobility (AAM) into the public transport ecosystem, positioning the UAE as a global leader in this emerging field.

With the backing of a robust regulatory framework and a growing portfolio of strategic partnerships, the UAE is rapidly laying the groundwork for commercial air taxi services and cargo drone operations. The Ajman-Skyports MoU not only aligns with national goals but also represents a localized commitment to innovation, sustainability, and smart city development. It builds on existing initiatives in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, further extending Skyports’ footprint in the region and reinforcing Ajman’s aspirations to become a forward-looking urban center.

Background: Advanced Air Mobility in the UAE

The UAE has emerged as a forerunner in AAM due to its proactive regulatory environment and willingness to invest in next-generation transportation infrastructure. In 2023, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) introduced the world’s first national vertiport regulations (CAR-HVD Part III), establishing clear standards for certification, design, and operations of vertiport infrastructure. This regulatory clarity has laid the foundation for rapid development and deployment of aerial mobility solutions across the country.

Dubai has taken a leadership role, with the GCAA approving the technical design for the Dubai International Vertiport (DXV) in January 2025. This facility, developed by Skyports, is expected to be operational by 2026 and will serve as a hub for air taxi services connecting key urban locations. Abu Dhabi has also joined the AAM movement, unveiling conceptual designs for vertiports aimed at enhancing inter-emirate connectivity and supporting cargo and emergency services.

The national emphasis on sustainability and innovation is underscored by the UAE’s broader goals, including reducing transportation-related emissions and alleviating urban congestion. These priorities are driving the integration of eVTOL technology into the country’s mobility strategy, with Ajman now stepping into the fold through its partnership with Skyports.

The Ajman-Skyports MoU: Key Details

Signed by H.E. Omar Mohammed Lootah, Director General of Ajman Transport Authority, and Daniel O’Neill, General Manager of Skyports Middle East, the MoU outlines a framework for collaboration in four main areas: site planning, technical readiness, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory alignment. The goal is to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies and identify optimal locations for vertiport infrastructure within Ajman.

Skyports will bring its expertise in vertiport design and automation to the project, including the potential implementation of its Vertiport Automation System (VAS). This system has already been tested in the UK and France and includes functionalities such as airspace monitoring, resource scheduling, and emergency response coordination. The MoU also emphasizes the importance of aligning with the GCAA’s vertiport regulations to ensure safety and operational efficiency.

For Ajman, this partnership is a strategic move to future-proof its transportation network. It reflects the emirate’s ambition to become a smart city and its commitment to adopting technologies that enhance mobility, reduce environmental impact, and improve quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

“This MoU aligns with Ajman’s transformation into a smart city. Partnering with global leaders like Skyports ensures our transport network remains safe, advanced, and sustainable, directly serving community aspirations.”

, H.E. Omar Mohammed Lootah

Strategic Expansion and Industry Context

Skyports has been actively expanding its presence across the UAE. In Dubai, the company is developing a network of four vertiports at key locations such as Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and the Marina. These facilities are expected to support commercial air taxi services by 2026, with Joby Aviation providing the eVTOL aircraft. Abu Dhabi is also part of Skyports’ strategic roadmap, with proposed vertiport designs revealed for potential implementation.

This expansion is supported by a recent funding round in which Skyports raised over €103 million (approximately US$107 million), led by the ACS Group. The capital is earmarked for accelerating vertiport construction and expanding the company’s drone services division, which includes logistics, medical deliveries, and environmental monitoring applications in Europe and Asia.

The Ajman project is a key component of Skyports’ vision for a connected AAM network across the UAE. By establishing vertiports in multiple emirates, the company aims to facilitate inter-emirate travel, reduce reliance on ground transportation, and support the UAE’s broader goals of economic diversification and technological leadership.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the potential benefits of AAM are significant, the industry still faces several challenges. Community acceptance is one of the most pressing issues, particularly concerning noise levels and safety. eVTOL manufacturers like Joby Aviation have demonstrated aircraft that operate below 65 decibels during takeoff and landing, but public perception remains a critical factor in widespread adoption.

Technical limitations also pose hurdles. Current battery technologies restrict eVTOL range to approximately 100 kilometers, making them more suitable for short urban or inter-emirate trips. This necessitates a dense network of vertiports, which in turn requires careful urban planning and integration with existing transport systems.

Despite these challenges, the opportunities are substantial. The global AAM market is projected to reach USD 137.1 billion by 2035, with the eVTOL segment alone expected to grow at a CAGR of 54.9% through 2030. The UAE’s proactive regulatory stance and investment in infrastructure place it in a strong position to capitalize on this growth and potentially serve as a model for other countries exploring similar initiatives.

“The UAE’s vertiport regulations are unmatched globally. Projects like Ajman’s demonstrate how scalable infrastructure can redefine urban mobility.”

, Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports

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Conclusion

The Ajman-Skyports MoU represents more than a bilateral agreement, it is a strategic blueprint for the future of urban mobility in the UAE. By leveraging Skyports’ technical capabilities and aligning with the GCAA’s regulatory framework, Ajman is positioning itself at the forefront of the AAM revolution. The collaboration underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and addressing the complex challenges of modern urban transportation.

As the project progresses, it will serve as a critical test case for the integration of aerial mobility into smaller urban centers. Success in Ajman could pave the way for similar initiatives across the region and beyond, reinforcing the UAE’s role as a global leader in advanced transportation technologies.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the Ajman-Skyports MoU?
The MoU aims to explore the development of vertiport infrastructure and eVTOL operations in Ajman, including site planning, feasibility studies, and stakeholder engagement.

Who are the parties involved in the agreement?
The agreement was signed by Ajman Transport Authority and Skyports Infrastructure, represented by H.E. Omar Mohammed Lootah and Daniel O’Neill, respectively.

How does this project fit into the UAE’s broader AAM strategy?
The Ajman initiative complements ongoing vertiport developments in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and aligns with the UAE’s goal of becoming a global leader in sustainable, smart transportation.

Sources

• Skyports
• The National
• Aviation Business ME
• Gulf Business
• Gulf Today