In order to produce passenger drones and electric-powered air taxis in Abu Dhabi, a UAE company will collaborate with a Chinese manufacturer.
In order to establish the first facility in the Middle East and North Africa to produce and run environmentally friendly, electric-powered aircraft and drones for passenger and cargo transportation, Abu Dhabi-based manufacturer Monarch Holding and Chinese firm EHang Holdings have joined forces.
The announcement is in line with objectives of the UAE Industrial Strategy, such as the new legal framework for the circular economy, green policies, and incentives to continue the country’s transformation to a smart, circular, and sustainable economy.
Electric Taxis in UAE
In addition to building infrastructure, vertiports, and facilities for operating electric air taxis and drones for UAE, the cooperation aims to produce environmentally friendly electric aircraft and drones, establish a command-and-control center to autonomously manage urban air mobility, and offer opportunities to identify and develop UAE talent.
By simplifying the movement of goods and items to sales outlets, ports, and airports, the project enhances trade while revitalizing markets and promoting local products.
Through collaboration with local organizations, the partnership will assist in developing a cutting-edge infrastructure for vertiports and an autonomous flight management system run by artificial intelligence, supporting sustainable and electric-powered commercial air taxis and drones, enabling Abu Dhabi to adopt urban aviation technologies.
The project will strengthen Abu Dhabi’s status as the most intelligent city in the Middle East and North Africa. It focuses on enhancing smart and sustainable mobility.
Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said, “Abu Dhabi is focusing on knowledge-based, innovation-driven economic sectors. The industrial strategy is a major factor in achieving our objectives as its programs aim to enhance and adopt methods and technologies of industry 4.0, circular economy, talent development, ecosystem enablement, homegrown supply chain, and value chain development.”
“This partnership reflects the high level of our infrastructure for advanced and smart industries and developed legislative and regulatory frameworks in the emirate, which provides an attractive environment for innovations and investments in advanced industries and technological transformation.”
“To ensure the best conditions for investors and entrepreneurs, ADDED has launched many initiatives to enhance ease of business and trade, financing, and attracting foreign direct investment.”
Hussain Ali Alomaeirah, Founder and Chairman of Monarch Holding, said, “This venture will support the future of the transportation sector in Abu Dhabi in line with the government vision to enhance the fundamentals of the smart city. It provides a new cargo and passenger transportation concept, utilizing advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and sustainable energy with zero carbon emissions.”
He said, “Monarch is forming collaborations with the top electric aircraft manufacturer in the world as well as a designer and consultancy firm for urban air mobility, which creates and runs the most cutting-edge UAM systems in the world.”
To read our blog on “Dubai aims for flying taxis once more by 2026,” click here.