Bahrain signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Eve Air Mobility at the Gateway Gulf investor forum in early November.

The agreement aims to develop an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft ecosystem in Bahrain and across the broader Middle East.

Its primary objective is to accelerate Bahrain’s operational, infrastructural and regulatory readiness for advanced air mobility operations.

This comprehensive effort will involve establishing a testbed for new systems, developing safe and scalable vertiports, and prioritising emission-free and low-noise operations, while also training national talent to support the emerging sector.

Test flights are targeted to begin in 2027, followed by the launch of commercial operations in 2028, with plans to expand services to international routes by 2029.

Eve is exploring luxury and tourism-focused air mobility routes in several regional cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha and Istanbul.

To support this regional rollout, Eve’s eVTOL aircraft will feature technologies adapted to Gulf conditions, including advanced UV and infrared protection, intelligent air-conditioning, and a Lift & Cruise design engineered to reduce dust and sand impact while ensuring reliability and passenger comfort.