REGENT heads to 'Make it in the Emirates' as momentum for seagliders in the UAE grows
We're excited to see REGENT featured at Make it in the Emirates, UAE’s premier manufacturing event, in Abu Dhabi this week.
With plans to bring seaglider services, manufacturing, and jobs to the country soon, and partnerships underway to enable seagliders to enter into service as soon as 2027, the future for seagliders in the UAE is bright!
UAE market for seagliders
According to a recent REGENT global consumer survey, 98% of UAE residents say they are interested in taking a seaglider, higher than the global average of 86%.
Seagliders offer the speed of a charter helicopter at the cost of a taxi. A seaglider ride from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, for example, will take under 30 minutes, compared to almost two hours by car, and cost under $50, compared to almost $1,000 by helicopter.
REGENT Partnerships in the UAE and region
REGENT is working with key stakeholders in the region to enable a smooth integration of seagliders into existing transportation networks. Collaborations include:
- A joint venture with Strategic Development Fund (SDF) to bring seaglider manufacturing and aftermarket services to the UAE.
- An agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to explore development and manufacturing capabilities in Abu Dhabi.
- An agreement with the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transportation (DOT) to integrate seaglider service into the existing UAE transportation network.
- Partnership with Abu Dhabi Maritime to explore the feasibility of electric seagliders as a mode of transportation on Abu Dhabi waterways.
- Partnership with maritime classification society Lloyd’s Register and ongoing collaboration with the UAE Marine Transport Affairs Department to advance seaglider maritime certification in the country
- Investment from Strategic Development Fund (SDF), an Abu Dhabi-based investment firm and part of EDGE Group
- Collaboration with global logistics and transportation solutions provider Aramex to assess the feasibility of integrating REGENT's high-speed seagliders into Aramex's middle-mile logistics network
Read more: Why seagliders make sense for the UAE