U.S. electric air taxi compamy Joby Aviation and Abdul Latif Jameel, an 80 year-old network of diversified Saudi businesses, have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the potential distribution of Joby's electric aircraft in Saudi Arabia. The agreement includes the possible delivery of up to 200 aircraft and related services valued at around $1 billion.

Initial efforts will focus on Saudi Arabia, where Abdul Latif Jameel has strong regional experience. Both parties will assess options for distribution and sales, air taxi service launches, and support functions such as maintenance and pilot training.

The companies share a long-term interest in advancing clean, efficient and accessible mobility. Abdul Latif Jameel previously invested in Joby’s Series C funding round, which was led by Toyota in 2020.

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

Abdul Latif Jameel vice chairman Hassan Jameel said: “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.”

The partnership aligns with the renewed U.S.–Saudi economic cooperation and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 urban development plans. Joby expects to begin carrying passengers in Dubai by 2026.