Faster than helicopter, cheaper than taxi: UAE could get new transport mode by next year
Called Seaglider, the all-electric, wing-in-ground-effect craft operates dock-to-dock, over-water routes within a wingspan of the water's surface. It combines the speed of an aircraft with the operating cost and accessibility of a boat, said Billy Thalheimer, founder and CEO of Regent Craft, at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Tuesday.
'The prototype will be on the water very soon and we are expecting to get it tested on the air this summer. The product vehicle will be delivered late 2026 or early 2027,' Thalheimer told Khaleej Times.
He added seagliders will be built to the same safety standards as modern aircraft and watercraft. They can operate on service routes up to 180 miles (300km) with existing battery technology, with a potential to serve routes of up to 500 miles (800km) once next-generation batteries become available, all using existing dock infrastructure.
The best part is that seagliders can travel as fast as a chartered helicopter at a cost cheaper than a taxi fare. Thalheimer said passengers who will ride a 12-seater Seaglider will each pay only $45 or Dh165 for trip between Abu Dhabi Marina and Dubai Marina.
Float, foil, and fly
Thalheimer explained seagliders operate in three modes – float, foil, and fly.
Seagliders float on their hull at docks or while maneuvering at low speeds, using existing dock infrastructure to pick up and drop off passengers and goods.
Seagliders then rise onto hydrofoils — the wings operate underwater to lift the hull out of the water to reduce drag and avoid waves. These will also be used to navigate harbors while on low takeoff speeds.
Then seagliders fly over open water at speeds up to 180mph (300kmph) on a cushion of air using a phenomenon called 'ground effect,' meaning they are always 'flying within one wingspan of the water's surface.'
Thalheimer showed a video of a seaglider prototype that was tested on actual waters. He added Regent Company, which has global headquarters in Rhode Island, USA, is building the flagship Seaglider, Viceroy, which is a 12-passenger vehicle. He added Regent has a global order book worth more than $9 billion across six continents and has raised more than $90 million from investors including Strategic Development Fund (SDF), Neom, Japan Airlines, and Lockheed Martin.
Made in the UAE
The country will play a major role in the development of seagliders, noted Thalheimer. There will be local support and investment to expand its global operations, including workforce development, supply chain, integration and seaglider delivery
In April last year, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Regent signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the sidelines of DRIFTx, Abu Dhabi's smart and autonomous mobility transport event.
The MoU entails providing support and attracting investment for the technology's development and manufacturing at the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster, located in Masdar City.
'Plans are maturing,' Thalheimer said confidently, adding: 'We have some big announcements to make in the next couple of days.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
From 50°C to 5°C: UAE residents cool off in Iceland, Canada and beyond
As UAE temperatures peak around the 50°C mark, residents are increasingly trading the summer heat for the single-digit coolness of Iceland's waterfalls and Canada's alpine lakes. According to Expedia's latest travel insights, searches for Iceland have surged by more than 160 per cent year-on-year, while Alberta, Canada, saw a 90 per cent increase. Other destinations gaining traction include Scotland, Switzerland, and South Tyrol in Italy, all known for their cooler climates and nature-rich experiences. Global air and travel services provider dnata has seen similar travel trends. Matthew Vlemmiks, dnata's travel leisure manager, told Khaleej Times that recent sales data show 'a clear appetite for destinations that offer cooler climates and nature-based experiences.' 'Since May, Japan, Switzerland, Finland, Norway, South Africa, Iceland, and New Zealand have all ranked in our top 20 destinations for year-on-year growth,' Vlemmiks said. While Canada fits the trend, he noted it isn't in dnata's top five yet. 'UAE travellers are increasingly seeking out immersive seasonal experiences, dramatic scenery, and the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the outdoors,' he added. Not just for the wealthy Traditionally, long-haul cooler destinations like Iceland, Canada, and New Zealand have appealed to mid- to high-budget travelers, given longer flight times and higher on-ground costs. But Vlemmiks believes affordability is improving. 'There are ways to make these trips more accessible: Flight deals, competitive packages, and multi-destination itineraries,' he said. 'For example, travellers might combine a few days in Iceland or Switzerland with a stay in a nearby, more budget-friendly city.' A personal reset For some, the appeal goes beyond escaping the heat. Firas Al Msaddi, a Dubai-based entrepreneur, travelled to Iceland this summer with his family; not to cool off, but to reconnect. ' Dubai's summer doesn't bother me. It's a blessing to live in such an advanced and comfortable city,' he said. 'But if I travel in summer, I will never choose another hot destination.' Al Msaddi described Iceland's 5°C to 15°C weather as ideal for a spiritual and physical reset. 'We chose it for the slow, clean, safe environment where we could be fully present — running, hiking, horse riding, praying together five times a day.' 'Iceland is a premium destination, on par with the best of Europe in terms of cost, but what it delivers is far more valuable,' he said. 'Instead of hotels and shopping, we immerse fully in experiences: untouched landscapes, Icelandic horses, sky-high waterfalls.' For his family, the rhythm is now set. 'Our winters are in the Dubai desert with the kids; our summers are in Scandinavia, Norway and now Iceland. We'll keep returning for the same reason; it's the best investment in our family.'
Filipino Times
21 hours ago
- Filipino Times
Spotify to Raise Premium Subscription Prices in UAE Starting September
Spotify will increase its premium subscription fees across the UAE beginning September, marking the latest adjustment in its global pricing strategy. According to a Spotify advisor in a report on the Khaleej Times, the new rates will apply to all premium plans, with current subscribers given a one-month grace period before the higher charges take effect. This allows users the option to cancel before the new billing cycle begins. The updated monthly prices are as follows: Premium Individual: Dh23.99 (from Dh21.99) Premium Student: Dh12.99 (from Dh11.99) Premium Duo: Dh32.99 (from Dh27.99) Premium Family: Dh39.99 (from Dh33.99) The company assured users that libraries, playlists, and podcasts will remain unaffected, even if they switch to the free plan or change subscriptions. Trial users will continue to enjoy the original rates for one month before shifting to the new prices. Gift cards purchased under previous rates will still be redeemable under the Premium Individual plan. Spotify said the price adjustments reflect ongoing efforts to innovate and deliver value while adapting to market conditions. The move follows earlier price hikes and cost-cutting measures that helped the company achieve its first annual profit in 2024.
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Spotify hikes premium package charges; users to soon pay up to Dh40 monthly
Music lovers in the UAE will soon have to pay more for their subscription plans as Spotify announced a hike to its premium plan prices. Speaking to Khaleej Times, an advisor at the streaming platform confirmed the new prices are set to be introduced for all plans from September onwards. "As we continue to grow our platform, we are updating our premium prices, so that we can keep innovating in changing market conditions. These updates will help us continue delivering value to fans," said the advisor. Users will be given a one-month grace period before the new price becomes effective, unless they cancel before the grace period ends. Earlier this month, Spotify had announced that it would be increasing prices and subscribers would receive an email explaining the price increase over the next month. The company had clarified the price would rise to 11.99 euros ($13.86) per month from 10.99 euros in markets including South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region. Price increases in the past, combined with cost-cutting efforts in recent years, have helped Spotify achieve its first annual profit for 2024. Price increase On Saturday, some users received an email informing them of the same. For those who may not have received these yet, Spotify has advised listeners to check their junk or spam folders. The new rates will be charged from the customer's respective billing date in September. In case one is unable to recall this date, they can visit their account page to find the billing date. Here are the new prices: Premium Individual: The previous plan that used to cost Dh21.99 for a month will now be available for Dh23.99. Premium Student: The plan of Dh11.99 will now be available for Dh12.99. Premium Duo: The duo plan that used to cost Dh27.99 will now be available for Dh32.99. Premium Family: The family plan which used to cost Dh33.99 will now be available for Dh39.99. For those who plan to change their subscriptions, the advisor informed that it won't be impacting customers' library, which includes playlists, podcasts or liked songs. This also applies to those who plan to switch to the free service. What about those who are currently on a trial offer? These users will have one month at the original price after the end of the trial. After this, the new price for the chosen plan will come into effect. For those who got a gift card under the previous plan, they will still be able to redeem it even if it they bought it at a lower price. Gift cards can only be redeemed on the Premium Individual plan. Recent changes Spotify is also benefiting from Apple's approval of the Swedish company's US app update to show subscription prices and external payment links, after a judge barred the iPhone maker from charging commission on off-app purchases. The audio streaming company's CEO Daniel Ek said this change has led to "a very positive uptick" in the US. He also said that if similar rules are adopted in Europe and the UK, it would benefit both Spotify and other app developers. Spotify has been expanding its library of video content to attract subscribers, including through its partner programme, which is designed to help podcast creators by offering them monetisation options. A growing number of creators are joining the Spotify Partner Programme, resulting in a significant increase in video content on our platform, Ek had earlier said.
