Latest news with #RegentCraft
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Abu Dhabi to make electric ‘seagliders' to ease transport burden
The UAE is exploring sea routes to improve travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Abu Dhabi's Strategic Development Fund (SDF) is partnering with US-based Regent Craft to manufacture electric seagliders in the country. The Rhode Island startup says its 12-seat Viceroy gliders — which fly 30 feet above open water at speeds of up to 180 mph — offer helicopter-like speed at taxi prices. The 100-mile trip between Abu Dhabi and Dubai could take just 30 minutes and cost around $45. While some regulatory hurdles remain, seagliders could launch in the UAE by 2027.
Trade Arabia
27-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
EDGE unit eyes Regent Craft JV for e-seaglider production in UAE
Strategic Development Fund (SDF), an Abu Dhabi-based investment company wholly owned by EDGE Group, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, today (February 26) announced that it has signed an initial agreement with Regent Craft, a Rhode Island-based developer and manufacturer of all-electric seagliders. As per the deal, the duo will establish a joint venture (JV) to manufacture Regent's electric seagliders in the UAE for supply to the Middle East, Africa and beyond, once all necessary approvals are received. The JV will also provide aftermarket services, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), it stated. According to EDGE, the venture aligns with SDF's strategic objectives in focusing on advanced technologies within specific strategic sectors, among which are aerospace, and dual-use technologies. It also supports projects that contribute to the development of the industrial ecosystem and enhance critical supply chain and production capabilities within these sectors. SDF had initially invested in Regent in 2023 and increased its stake last year as negotiations for the UAE partnership progressed. Upon the successful establishment of the partnership, which is subject to finalising conditions and obtaining local and international regulatory approvals - SDF plans to further invest in the company, reinforcing its confidence in Regent's potential and strengthening their long-term collaboration. EDGE Group Managing Director and CEO Hamad Al Marar said: "SDF's investment in Regent Craft aligns with our commitment to focus on establishing strategic partnerships with key players in various industries to develop future-forward technologies." "Our investments in critical sectors drive technological advancements and supports our goals to enhance the UAE's industrial growth in strategic sectors," he stated. Abdulla Al Jaabari, Managing Director & CEO of SDF, said: "We strongly believe in Regent Craft's vision and groundbreaking technology. This initial agreement marks a significant step in our strategic hybrid investment approach - combining investments in international startups with strategic partnerships to contribute to the development of transformative technologies in the UAE." Earlier this month, at the World Government Summit 2025 in Dubai, Billy Thalheimer, Co-founder and CEO of Regent Craft, spoke at the 'Future of Mobility Forum.' During his presentations and discussions across multiple forums, he discussed Regent's plans for establishing a state-of-the-art seaglider manufacturing plant in Abu Dhabi, UAE. 'We are honoured to deepen our collaboration with SDF and make Abu Dhabi and the UAE a centre for seaglider manufacturing,' said Billy. 'This transformative potential partnership will usher in a new era of sustainable transportation technology.' The agreement follows an April 2024 MoU between the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Regent that aims to support the company's development and manufacturing capabilities within Abu Dhabi's Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster. -TradeArabia News Service
FACT
13-02-2025
- Business
- FACT
Seagliders could cut travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to 30 minutes
Seagliders could be making waves in the UAE. Regent Craft, the company behind the new mode of transport, has announced how it could cut travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Thanks to the new electric-powered machines that glide over water, it could take 30 minutes and cost AED 165, half the price of a taxi. According to Regent Craft, 85 per cent of the UAE's population lives along the coast, and 63 per cent of UAE residents travel between coastal destinations at least once a month. The company also aims to offer routes to Dalma Island, which is currently only accessible via flights. The group has developed the seaglider, which is a boat meets plane. Operating a few metres off of the water's surface, it boasts the low operating costs of a boat and the high speed of an aeroplane. The passenger service, Viceroy, will include 20-metre wingspan models, speeds of up to 290kph, and space for 12 passengers. Plus, it aims to be 100 per cent emission-free and help the UAE reach its goal of net zero emissions by 2050. In January 2025, Regent Craft recently signed a partnership with Abu Dhabi Maritime, which looks at introducing the transportation mode to the market. Abu Dhabi Maritime stated: 'We are pleased to announce we have signed an agreement with Regent Craft. This agreement has the potential to enhance sustainable transportation options in the emirate's maritime sector and reflects a shared commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, aligning with Abu Dhabi's vision for a greener and more efficient future.' Check in with FACT for the best things to do in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. GO: Visit for more information.
What's On
13-02-2025
- Business
- What's On
Underground transport system to come to Dubai in partnership with Elon Musk
One of many transportation projects announced… Over the past three days, Dubai has announced RAILBUS – a sustainable future mass transit system powered by solar energy, a seaglider – that will get you from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in 30 minutes, and now we've been introduced to the Dubai Loop. 3 of 12 The Dubai Loop project was announced on Day 3 of the World Government Summit (WGS) 2025 in a virtual session with Elon Musk and Omar AlOlama, UAE's Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. According to AlOlama, the loop will 'cover Dubai's most densely populated areas for people to go from point to point'. Describing it as a 'wormhole', Musk stated you will board from one part of the city, and then you're out in another part. Further details were not revealed about the project, but we will be keeping our detective hats on as we can't wait to learn more. The main aim of the new underground transportation project, is, of course, to ease traffic. Musk stated that although airspace is another great mode of transportation to help stop congestion, it can be a challenge, especially in bad weather. He also pointed out it can be noisy and generates a lot of wind force. Other futuristic transportation modes announced at WGS… RAILBUS The RAILBUS was also announced during WGS this year. It will be a sustainable future mass transit system powered by solar energy, thus making it a sustainable and efficient public transport solution. The system aligns with UAE Net Zero Strategy 2050 which aims to make 25 per cent of all trips in Dubai autonomous by 2030. It will be made using 3D printing technology using recyclable materials and will be able to carry 40 passengers. It will move on tracks across the city through a network of bridges. Read more here. Seaglider The Seaglider was also unveiled by Billy Thalheimer, founder and CEO of Regent Craft at WGS. Set to transit passengers from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, the seaglider will set you back just Dhs165. The fully electric craft is a cross between a glider (a light aircraft) and boat. It combines the speed of an aircraft with the accessibility of a boat and is designed for travel between coastal cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It essentially uses the 'wing-in-ground effect' – a technology that has been around for over 60 years. It will be able to travel up to speeds of 290kph cutting down travel times. Read more here. @worldgovsummit Images: Unsplash (used for illustrative purpose) > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
What's On
12-02-2025
- What's On
New Seaglider will travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in 30 minutes for Dhs165
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a Seaglider… We're currently living in a world where speed is everything. If a webpage takes three seconds to load, it's frustratingly slow. If the Careem doesn't get to our location in five, we throw a Dubai 'Jumeirah-Jane' like tantrum. If our food order is more than 20 minutes away, the hangry intensifies. So when it comes to traveling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, what we all want is a speedy transit. Where we don't find ourselves sitting in the back of a taxi or a bus zooming by nothing but endless sand dunes. We do have the Etihad Rail coming up, but the launch date is set for 2030, and that's way too far off. However, we've just learned about a new mode of transportation at the World Government Summit, which you'll be thrilled to know about. Say hello to the Seaglider An impressive piece of tech that will transport you from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in just 30 minutes. The new mode of transportation was unveiled by Billy Thalheimer, founder and CEO of Regent Craft. This, however, isn't the first time we've come across the Seaglider. We last spoke about the sea gliders back in April 2024. Back then, however, it was developed with a goal to transfer passengers from the Abu Dhabi mainland to popular destinations, including Sir Bani Yas Island and Delma Island. But now, it looks like we can expect to use the mode of transportation between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. And if you think it will cost as much as a flight to Saudi Arabia, think again because a trip will set you back just Dhs165. So, what exactly is a Seaglider? In short, the seaglider is a fully electric vehicle that is a cross between a glider (a light aircraft) and boat. It combines the speed of an aircraft with the accessibility of a boat and is designed for travel between coastal cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It essentially uses the 'wing-in-ground effect' – a technology that has been around for over 60 years. It will be able to travel up to speeds of 290kph cutting down travel times. While we all can't wait to try it out, the Seaglider is currently in the testing phase, and we can expect to be using this cool mode of transportation in two years. We wonder if we can use our nol card… Want more? The Seaglider wasn't just the only futuristic transportation unveiled at the World Government Summit. We also learned about the RAILBUS, a sustainable future mass transit system powered by solar energy that will transport people across the city through a network of bridges. Read more here. For all the cool upcoming modes of transportation coming to the UAE, visit this link here. Images: Regent Craft > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
