Santa Cruz, CA and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – 3 June 2025 – In a landmark move poised to shape the future of regional mobility, Abdul Latif Jameel and Joby Aviation have announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities for the introduction and distribution of Joby’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Saudi Arabia.

The agreement could see the delivery of up to 200 aircraft and associated services, valued at approximately US$1 billion over the coming years. This strategic partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a national transformation initiative aimed at diversifying the economy and fostering innovation in mobility, infrastructure and environmental stewardship.

Catalyst for Regional Innovation

Abdul Latif Jameel, an 80-year-old diversified business network with strong roots across Saudi Arabia, and Joby, a California-based leader in electric air taxis, are jointly focused on accelerating clean, safe, and affordable commercial passenger transport in the Kingdom. With Joby’s Series C funding round in 2020 including participation from the Jameel family and led by Toyota Motor Corporation, the collaboration builds on a foundation of aligned innovation goals and shared investment in sustainable technology.

“This collaboration is about bringing America’s leadership in electric air mobility to the world,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “Together with Abdul Latif Jameel, we’re not just imagining a cleaner, safer, more efficient future—we’re building it.”

Driving Saudi Arabia’s New Mobility Era

The partnership will initially centre on Saudi Arabia, where Abdul Latif Jameel’s extensive infrastructure and operational experience provide a strategic launchpad for Joby’s aircraft. The scope of the collaboration includes aircraft distribution and sales, establishing air taxi services, MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) operations, and pilot training.

“Saudi Arabia is transitioning toward a new era of mobility—one that is on-demand, shared, connected, and sustainable,” commented Hassan Jameel, Vice Chairman, Saudi Arabia, Abdul Latif Jameel. “eVTOL is an exciting and important component of this. We are looking forward to collaborating with Joby to support the transformation of the Kingdom’s mobility sector.”

Aircraft of the Future

Joby’s all-electric aircraft is designed to carry four passengers and a pilot at speeds of up to 200 mph, with a low acoustic profile and zero operating emissions. The aircraft is currently being prepared for commercial service, with passenger operations expected to begin in Dubai in 2026. Saudi Arabia, with its forward-looking transportation agenda, represents a significant opportunity for expansion.

Beyond domestic deployment, the MoU also opens the door to explore additional revenue opportunities across the Middle East.

Advancing Vision 2030

By supporting innovation, job creation, and carbon-neutral transportation, this partnership is well-positioned to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s broader social and economic development agenda. As Abdul Latif Jameel Motors celebrates 70 years of distributing Toyota vehicles in the Kingdom—a key investor in Joby—this new chapter signals a transformative shift toward next-generation mobility.