Initial plans will focus on routes between Abu Dhabi City and Al Dhafra Region, expanding at a later stage across the emirate and wider UAE
Abu Dhabi signed on Friday an agreement to introduce innovative Seaglider operations across the emirate by 2028, enhancing mobility for residents and visitors, and coastal transportation and connectivity in Abu Dhabi.
The agreement was signed by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) and VERSA Advanced Maritime Services (VERSA).
Initial plans to focus on connecting Abu Dhabi City and Al Dhafra Region
The agreement signifies a collective commitment to streamline coastal transportation across Abu Dhabi through advanced and environmentally friendly solutions. Initial plans will focus on routes between Abu Dhabi City and Al Dhafra Region, expanding at a later stage across the emirate and wider UAE.
This initiative is expected to enhance Abu Dhabi’s economy, tourism sector, infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, championing national innovation, environmental goals and seamless connectivity.
The Seagliders Wing-in-Ground (WIG) effect craft are fully electric, high-speed, zero-emission vessels that operate just above the sea surface, significantly reducing travel times. VERSA, the first Seaglider operator in the UAE, has been developing this project since 2022, with operations scheduled to commence in 2028.
“By embracing advanced and environmentally friendly mobility solutions like Seagliders, we are not only enhancing connectivity across Abu Dhabi but also reinforcing our commitment to fostering sustainable growth and delivering unparalleled experiences for both our community and international visitors. This collaboration underscores our dedication to smart city initiatives and green technologies, ensuring the emirate remains a leading destination for innovation, continuously enhancing quality of life and the visitor experience,” said His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi expands smart mobility across land, air and sea
The areas of cooperation outlined in the agreement include feasibility studies and market analysis on the operational, commercial and environmental aspects of Seaglider deployment in Abu Dhabi. The partners will also explore potential operational models, such as routes and schedules, in alignment with Abu Dhabi’s broader tourism objectives.
“This agreement marks an important step in our efforts to extend smart and sustainable mobility across land, air and sea. Together with our partners, we are laying the foundations for introducing innovative, low-emission services that will enhance connectivity while reducing the environmental footprint of marine transport,” said Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Center (Abu Dhabi Mobility).
He added: “The Integrated Transport Center (Abu Dhabi Mobility) remains committed to supporting and introducing new modes of transport that are safe, efficient and seamlessly integrated with our wider network, further cementing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in sustainable and innovative mobility.”
Abu Dhabi advances Tourism Strategy 2030
Through collaborations such as this, DCT Abu Dhabi remains committed to delivering on the ambitious goals of its Tourism Strategy 2030, which prioritizes sustainable growth and strategic development within the emirate.
“When we first envisioned Seagliders in 2022, it wasn’t just about launching a new vessel; it was about rethinking what coastal mobility could mean for our country. Being the UAE’s first Seaglider operator is both an honor and a responsibility. This partnership allows us to transform innovation into infrastructure, clean, fast and purpose-built for the Emirates. Together with our government partners, we’re not just creating a new mode of transport, we’re contributing to shaping a national legacy of sustainable progress and global leadership,” said Sheikha Alyazia Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairperson and Owner, VERSA Advanced Maritime Services.
Source: economymiddleeast