Aridge, formerly known as XPeng AeroHT, has struck a deal with authorities in Ras Al Khaimah to set up an advanced air mobility regulatory sandbox in the United Arab Emirates.
The XPeng-linked company will use the programme to validate its flying vehicles under desert conditions, assess aircraft performance and develop operating procedures within controlled airspace.
The project is being led by the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority under the oversight of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority.
Aridge and the authorities are also planning a demonstration route between Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah.
Testing is expected to cover flight planning, airspace coordination, ground support, passenger handling, aircraft turnaround and safety procedures.
The programme represents a move beyond individual demonstration flights towards structured testing of possible commercial air-mobility operations.
Aridge recently demonstrated its modular Land Aircraft Carrier in Abu Dhabi. The system paired a ground vehicle with a detachable electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
The company said experience gained in the UAE would also support its expansion into other markets, including Southeast Asia, although no specific countries or launch timetable were announced.
