Initial plans will focus on routes between Abu Dhabi City and Al Dhafra Region; the fully electric, high-speed, zero-emission vessels will ‚glide‘ just above the sea surface
Abu Dhabi residents could soon be travelling across the emirate in Seagliders. The fully electric, high-speed, zero-emission vessels will operate just above the sea surface, significantly reducing travel times.
The announcement came on Friday after an agreement was signed between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), and VERSA Advanced Maritime Services (VERSA) to enhance coastal transportation and connectivity in Abu Dhabi.
The entities are planning to roll out the innovative Seaglider operations across the emirate by 2028. Initial plans will focus on routes between Abu Dhabi City and Al Dhafra Region, expanding at a later stage across the emirate and wider UAE. VERSA, the first Seaglider operator in the UAE, has been developing this project since 2022.
The areas of cooperation outlined in the agreement include feasibility studies and market analysis on the operational, commercial, and environmental aspects of the deployment of the Seagliders- Wing-in-Ground (WIG) effect craft. The partners will also explore potential operational models, such as routes and schedules, in line with Abu Dhabi’s broader tourism objectives. More
By Nasreen Abdulla Khaleej Times
