Abdul Latif Jameel and Joby agree to explore opportunities for electric aircraft in Saudi Arabia

Aim to enable fast, clean, quiet and affordable commercial passenger transportation in Saudi Arabia

One of the most forward-looking partnerships in the emerging electric aviation sector, Abdul Latif Jameel, a respected global business with 80 years of diversified operations and Joby Aviation, a U.S.-based pioneer in electric air taxis, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore a strategic distribution agreement in Saudi Arabia. The move aligns with the renewed commitment between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia to drive innovation and transformative mobility solutions.

As part of the agreement, the companies are evaluating the delivery of up to 200 Joby aircraft and related services, a deal estimated to be worth around $1 billion. Looking ahead, both Abdul Latif Jameel and Joby envision broader opportunities to expand across the Middle East, supporting the region’s long-term goals for advanced, sustainable transportation.

Abdul Latif Jameel and Joby share complementary long-term visions to revolutionize the future of mobility through transportation services that are cleaner, safer, more efficient and more affordable, helping to improve passenger experiences while simultaneously protecting the planet. In addition, the Jameel family invested in Joby’s Series C funding round, led by Toyota Motor Corporation in 2020.

The direct sale of aircraft through businesses such as Abdul Latif Jameel form one pillar of Joby’s commercialization strategy. Additionally, Joby will directly own and operate its aircraft and services in certain markets, like the United States, and partner for similar operations in other markets, such as Japan.

​​“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. And there is no better partner to help unlock the extraordinary opportunity for air travel in the region.”

Hassan Jameel, Vice Chairman, Saudi Arabia, Abdul Latif Jameel, stated: “Saudi Arabia is transitioning toward a new era of mobility – one that is on-demand, shared, connected, and sustainable. 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. This collaboration also comes as Abdul Latif Jameel Motors marks 70 years of distributing Toyota in Saudi Arabia — a strategic investor in Joby.”

Joby’s collaboration with Abdul Latif Jameel will initially focus on Saudi Arabia, where Abdul Latif Jameel has an extensive presence, network and deep operational experience. The two businesses will work together to explore distribution and sales collaborations, the launch of local air taxi services, including the establishment of aftermarket services such as MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), and pilot training.

Joby’s piloted, all-electric aircraft is designed to carry four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, offering high-speed mobility with a fraction of the noise produced by helicopters and zero operating emissions. The business plans to carry its first passengers in Dubai in 2026.

Given the importance of mobility to Saudi Arabia’s urban transformation, the collaboration aims to drive socio-economic growth in the Kingdom and create employment opportunities for Saudi nationals, in line with Vision 2030.

Last Updated on June 7, 2025 by Darell Tan