- Abu Dhabi plans ultra-fast electric sea gliders to revolutionize coastal transport by 2028.
- Zero-emission vessels will enhance tourism connectivity and sustainable logistics across UAE coastline.
- Strategic partnerships aim to integrate advanced maritime technology into national mobility infrastructure.
Abu Dhabi is leading a transformative change in coastal mobility by planning to deploy electric sea gliders high-speed, zero-emission Wing-in-Ground-Effect (WIG) craft across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 2028.
The next-generation vehicles operate through water surface flight which allows for aircraft-like speeds and marine efficiency through their use of air cushion technology.
The sea gliders combine sustainable electric propulsion with advanced engineering to transform coastal, transportation systems which will reduce travel time and support tourism development and create new logistics pathways.
The initiative originates from a strategic agreement between the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Abu Dhabi Mobility, and VERSA Advanced Maritime Services which aims to establish sea glider operations throughout the emirate by 2028.
Initial routes will connect Abu Dhabi City with the Al Dhafra Region and additional routes will be developed to extend service throughout the UAE coastline.
The partnership seeks to improve transportation links while providing better tourist experiences and supporting Abu Dhabi's environmental sustainability objectives.
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Electric sea gliders operate on complete electric power which enables them to produce no emissions while they achieve better energy efficiency than conventional boats and ferries.
The new vehicles, which VERSA and other operators develop, will enable high-speed transportation for both passengers and freight.
The deployment of these systems supports the United Arab Emirates objectives which aim to incorporate environmentally friendly, intelligent transportation solutions into daily commuting patterns for their national sustainability goals.
Experts believe these sea gliders will shorten travel times between major coastal hubs which include Abu Dhabi and Dubai to less than current road transit times.
The programme creates new logistics possibilities because it provides a sustainable solution for coastal freight transportation and offshore shipping operations.
The development of commercial testing and transportation integration into the United Arab Emirates system advances despite existing obstacles which include regulatory issues and infrastructure needs and operational limitations.