Latest news with #Seaglider
What's On
11-03-2025
- Business
- What's On
11 transportation systems coming to the UAE
We have several upcoming megaprojects to look forward to in the UAE, from brilliant new hotel openings to historic museums, man-made island developments, and malls, just to name a few. Additionally, we have plenty of new transportation systems coming to the UAE that we can't wait for. Now, as we already know, the UAE is home to several public transportation systems, including the very (very…) popular Dubai Metro, tram system, monorail, and water taxis, but it will be home to much more. 3 of 12 Here are 11 transportation systems coming to the UAE Across the UAE Etihad Rail One of the UAE's most ambitious travel projects is the 1,200km long Etihad Rail network. The massive project will link the seven emirates together but has plans for future ambitions that extend beyond our borders into the rest of the GCC. In fact, in September, the UAE signed a contract to work with Jordan on constructing a 360km rail network. Could this be the first tentative steps of the next phase of inter-regional passenger travel for the GCC? For those traveling within the UAE, Etihad Rail has stated it will take just 57 minutes from Abu Dhabi city to Dubai and 105 minutes from Abu Dhabi city to Fujairah. But it's not just passengers the new upcoming rail system will ferry. It will also transport cargo, and, as per Etihad Rail, commercial freight operations have already begun. As for the passenger trains, we may have to wait a while, but we are checking for updates from this project and posting important milestones here. Dubai RAILBUS On February 10, 2025, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced a brand new mode of transportation at the World Government Summit: a RAILBUS in Dubai. 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. Dubai Loop The Dubai Loop is a huge upcoming project between Dubai and Elon Musk. The main aim of the new underground transportation project, is, of course, to ease traffic. Musk stated that although airspace is a 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. With the Dubai Loop, Musk describes it as a 'wormhole', where in you 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. Read more here. Seaglider The Seaglider will transit passengers from Dubai to Abu Dhabi setting 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. Driverless taxis In 2021, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, announced the signing of an agreement between the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Cruise, a leading US-based autonomous vehicle company that will operate self-driving taxis and ride-hailing services in the emirate. The agreement supports Dubai's 2030 vision for self-driving technology. It also makes Dubai the first non-US city in the world where Cruise will commercially operate these vehicles. These self-driving vehicles are expected to significantly improve road safety levels, as over 90 per cent of accidents are due to human errors. The vehicles are all-electric, environmentally friendly, and capable of serving a wide range of clients from different community segments, including seniors and people of determination. The latest update on driverless cars was in December 2023, when His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, went on the first test ride of Cruise autonomous electric vehicle. Tests will continue, and RTA will announce a registration process allowing selected members of the public to use the Cruise ride-hailing app to experience the new mode of transportation. Flying taxis Sounds like a scene out of The Jetsons, but yes, Flying Taxis will soon be a reality in Dubai. These sky-high taxis will be able to take off vertically with a maximum speed of 322km/h – an impressive speed given they will be a zero-emission form of transport. It will be able to carry four passengers plus a pilot with a range of 161 kilometers. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, confirmed models of aerial taxi stations developed by the RTA. The initial launch will connect four main areas of Dubai: Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa area), Dubai Marina, Dubai International Airport, and Palm Jumeirah. In February 2025, RTA displayed a prototype at the futuristic Museum of the Future. According to the Dubai Ruler, the emirate will commence its aerial taxi service in the first quarter of 2026. Read more here. Ras Al Khaimah: Dubai isn't the only cities exploring this new air mobility, as Ras Al Khaimah has also just confirmed its plans to introduce air transport to the emirate by 2027. We've been told the flying taxis from Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais in RAK will take just 20 minutes. Read more here. And in Abu Dhabi: Flying taxis will see their first test flights taking off in the coming months. Archer, the US-based eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) manufacturer, has confirmed plans to launch its Midnight aircraft in the capital in 2025, in partnership with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA). The goal? To get passengers in the air before the end of 2025, cutting long commutes down to just minutes. Here's all you need to know about flying taxis. Read more here. Driverless pod rail system At Gitex Global 2024, Dubai's Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled plans for another new way to get around town that could see us saying goodbye to sitting in Sheikh Zayed Road traffic. The Floc Duo Rail is a self-driving, futuristic-looking electric pod rail system, and could become a hassle-free way to travel around Dubai. It will be able to operate both suspended in the air and on the ground and could help passengers get either from A to B, or be used to take multiple passengers from certain points to other transport networks, such as the Dubai Metro. Read more here. Sky Pods These dangling cable car-looking contraptions are more correctly titled 'Suspended Transport Systems'. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense of the UAE, approved the 65km long network as part of Dubai's Smart Mobility Strategy. The service will connect Umm Suqeim Street, Al Khor, and Zabeel. Manufacturers claim it can reach speeds of up to 150kph and because they're group transit and solar-powered, they can be five times as energy efficient as current-gen electric vehicles. Read more here. Electric abra In May 2023, Dubai's RTA announced that it had begun trial operations of the 'First Autonomous Electric Abra'. According to HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, the aim of launching the electric abra is to 'convert 25 per cent of the total mobility journeys in Dubai into self-driving journeys by 2030′. The electric abra will have reduced noise and zero carbon emissions and can operate and run fully 'autonomous procedures independent of the captain'. The abra will be able to detect obstacles in the navigational path and intervene to avoid a crash during the journey and can even notify the control center of deviations from the operating plan. Read more here. Sharjah Sky Pods Sharjah's high-speed electric sky pods will not only transport passengers between the emirates but also cargo at speeds of up to 100kmph. The Sky Pods are a hanging transport system made up of individual unicars connected by a long cable suspended above the ground. Tests are being conducted at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). After successful testing, Sharjah will announce the construction of its routes within Sharjah city with plans for the pods to connect with other emirates to follow. Hyperloop The journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi can take up to two hours by road. With the arrival of the Hyperloop though, passengers can travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 12 minutes. The train can reach speeds of up to 1,000 km per hour which is three times faster than high-speed rail and more than 10 times faster than traditional rail. An animated video shared by Virgin Hyperloop in January 2022 shows exactly what it will be like to ride the super-fast transport. Read more here. Not much has since been announced about this project, and we are unsure if the project is shelved; however, plans to develop the passenger line in Italy (by 2029) may get the interest going again. Images: Social/Supplied
Khaleej Times
16-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
From Dubai Loop to Rail Bus: 4 ways UAE is changing travel across land, air, water
The recently concluded World Governments Summit in Dubai unveiled groundbreaking transportation initiatives set to transform urban mobility for both residents and tourists. From advanced tunnel infrastructure and solar-powered transit systems to air corridors for flying taxis and cargo drones, the summit showcased cutting-edge solutions. A fast and affordable vehicle that has the speed of an aircraft with the accessibility of a boat, is also part of the plan. Here's a look at the key innovations shaping the future of transportation in Dubai: 1. Rail bus This groundbreaking autonomous, solar-powered transit system is still in development. The Rail Bus is a fully 3D-printed vehicle made from recyclable materials. Designed for sustainability and efficiency, the Rail Bus features two rows of orange seats and space for disabled passengers, ensuring accessibility for all. Each carriage has 22 seats and can accommodate 40 passengers. Operating on elevated tracks set to be built across the emirate, the system will provide frequent and flexible routing, seamlessly integrating with other public transport networks to enhance first- and last-mile travel. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 100kmph, the 2.9-metre high, 11.5.5 meter-long bus will run entirely on solar energy and function independently. 2. Seaglider Combining the speed of an aircraft with the affordability and accessibility of a boat, the Seaglider offers a unique solution for fast, cost-effective travel. Passengers will pay just $45 (Dh165) for a 12-seater ride between Abu Dhabi and Dubai Marina. Seagliders are built to meet the same safety standards as modern aircraft and watercraft. They can operate on routes up to 300kmph using current battery technology, with the potential to extend to up to 800kmph once next-generation batteries are available. The first commercial vehicles are expected to be delivered by late 2026 or early 2027. and is expected t 3. Dubai Loop This ambitious project, in partnership with Elon Musk, aims to connect the Dubai's most densely populated areas through a cutting-edge tunnel infrastructure system. Spanning over 17 kilometres with 11 stations, the Dubai Loop will have the capacity to transport 20,000 passengers per hour. Designed for efficiency, the loop will allow travellers to reach their destinations directly, without stops in between. Powered by electric vehicles, it will operate at speeds of up to 160 kmph. 4. Corridor for flying taxis, cargo drones The planned aerial routes will link key international airports and iconic landmarks across the UAE, facilitating seamless operations for piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones while redefining the nation's urban landscape. Over the next 20 months, these aerial routes and regulations will be defined, paving the way for innovative transportation solutions for passenger and cargo transport, easing congestion on traditional road networks and enhance connectivity.
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
Khaleej Times
11-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Faster than helicopter, cheaper than taxi: UAE could get new transport mode by next year
Travelling at high speeds over water as fast as a helicopter at a cost cheaper than a taxi fare. This is the promise by the CEO of a start-up company that is planning to add another futuristic vehicle to the UAE's transportation network. 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.'
USA Today
08-02-2025
- Health
- USA Today
US withdrawal from WHO will have significant implications
US withdrawal from WHO will have significant implications | Opinion Show Caption Hide Caption US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse answers questions about the RFK hearing US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, in RI to attend a groundbreaking for the REGENT' Seaglider factory, answers questions about the RFK hearing President Trump withdrew the United States from the World Health Organization, a decision criticized by public and global health scholars. The U.S. provides significant financial support to the WHO, enabling initiatives like disease eradication and maternal health programs. Critics argue that withdrawing from the WHO will create a vacuum in global health leadership, potentially benefiting China. The decision raises concerns about the U.S.'s ability to protect its citizens from future pandemics and influence global health policy. Global health is a matter of national security, especially in an interconnected world facing shared health challenges. As part of the sweeping reforms in his first few days in office, President Donald Trump announced he is withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization. The decision, which has been criticized by public and global health scholars, will have far-reaching consequences ‒ not only globally but also for the health and security of the U.S. In my global health courses, I often remind my students that infectious diseases know no borders. COVID-19 serves as a recent, devastating reminder of how quickly diseases spread across the globe. According to the Population Reference Bureau, 70,000 foreigners arrive daily in the U.S., mostly visitors, and according to the Federal Aviation Administration (2024), 2.9 million passengers fly every day in and out of U.S. airports ‒ international cooperation is essential to safeguard public health. Given the rising vaccine hesitancy in the U.S. in the context of COVID-19 vaccination rates, this issue will only intensify in the coming years, which would surely take on a new form under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine leadership in Trump's administration. With the recent poliovirus outbreak in New York State in 2022, the U.S. faces an impending public health crisis, which will only be amplified if global efforts to combat disease and outbreak are weakened. The executive order justifies this withdrawal, citing alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 by the World Health Organization and claims of disproportionate financial demands on the U.S. The organization, founded in 1948, is a specialized agency of the United Nations. The U.S. government has been actively engaged throughout its founding, providing technical and financial support and participating in its governance structure. A report from KFF, formally known as the Kaiser Family Foundation and a leading independent source for health policy research, cites that the U.S. has contributed annually between $163 million and $816 million, making it one of the largest funders, allowing WHO to achieve initiatives such as disease eradication and maternal health programs, among others. To be sure, scholars advocating for decolonizing global health are critical of the disproportionate decision-making power high-income countries have on what should get funded and how, in sharp contrast to the lesser decision-making power low- or middle-income countries have that are often at the receiving end of the aid. Scholars have noted that these power dynamics echo colonial histories, where global health efforts historically emerged from colonial powers seeking to circumscribe disease in the colonies and protect their populations. Despite these critiques, the solution is reform, not abandonment. From a strategic perspective, the decision to withdraw has significant geopolitical implications: Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, who served as the White House COVID-19 response coordinator from 2022-2023, has called the decision a 'strategic error,' warning that the decision to withdraw from the WHO would create a vacuum in global leadership, likely to be taken up by China. This could risk the U.S. losing its moral authority and its key influence in shaping global health policy. As such, the decision to abandon the WHO jeopardizes decades of progress in combating diseases like polio and HIV, undermines our ability to protect U.S. citizens from future pandemics, and excludes the country from being included in global discussions on shaping global health policy. In a world as interconnected as ours, global health should not be seen just as an act of altruism; it is a matter of national security. Given the unimaginable loss the U.S. suffered from COVID-19, one can hope that countries will collaborate to share resources, information and strategies to address some of the highest-priority global health issues. Sarah Ahmed is an assistant professor of health sciences and women's and gender studies at Providence College.
