Watch: Abu Dhabi conducts test flight of driverless flying taxi
Abu Dhabi has taken a giant step into the future of air mobility with the landmark public demonstration of a test flight of an autonomous flying taxi conducted in the Capital.
In a 50-second video clip released by Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) on Friday, the electric driverless vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is shown taking off from the helipad of Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, and cruising above the Abu Dhabi Marina.
Watch the video here:
ADIO, in collaboration with @ehang and @multilevelgroup, hosted a landmark test flight of an autonomous electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Abu Dhabi. @saviabudhabi @gcaauae
Learn more: https://t.co/OJQgn63SQV #InvestWithAbuDhabi
— Abu Dhabi Investment Office (@InvestAbuDhabi) June 13, 2025
The test flight was conducted with the support of Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), in collaboration with Chinese technology company EHang and Multi Level Group (MLG).
ADIO did not mention how many minutes the EHang-powered flying taxi was up in the air but underscored the test flight 'was aimed at evaluating the efficiency and operational capabilities of flying taxis.'
'The trial was also a pivotal step towards integrating urban air mobility into everyday life,' ADIO noted, adding, 'The (test flight) validated critical technologies, including hot-weather performance in Abu Dhabi's climate alongside airspace coordination, route planning and vertiport operations.'
'Conducted under the oversight of the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the flight provided live proof of the regulatory, operational and infrastructure frameworks essential for safely scaling this new mode of transport,' ADIO continued.
'We are proving that urban air taxis will be a part of everyday life, here in Abu Dhabi and around the world. This is how we diversify our economy, cultivate homegrown capabilities and make the emirate a global leader in next-generation transport,' added Badr Al Olama, director-general at ADIO.
Two-seater flying taxi
The flying taxi tested was EHang's EH216‑S. It is touted as the world's first certified, pilotless, two-seater eVTOL aircraft.
The EH216-S features eight arms equipped with 16 propellers. Each propeller is powered by a dual-motor system, totalling 32 independent electric motors.
According to EHang, the design ensures efficient vertical take-off and landing capabilities with a high level of operational safety and redundancy or the practice of having multiple independent safety systems in place to ensure that if one system fails, another will take over.
ADIO noted the Chinese technology-powered flying taxi is 'tailored for urban environments and purpose-built for applications such as sightseeing, short-distance connections and tourism.' It operates with minimal noise and no runway, making it ideally suited to the evolving infrastructure of future cities.
Meanwhile, EHang earlier confirmed plans to establish regional operations in Abu Dhabi, including a final assembly line and support facilities, according to ADIO.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
11 minutes ago
- Zawya
Saudi bank credit records annual growth of over $118.13bln by end of April 2025
RIYADH — Bank credit granted to the public and private sectors in Saudi Arabia reached SR3,126,381 million (over SR3.126 trillion) by the end of April 2025, according to the monthly statistical bulletin issued by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) for April. This marks an annual growth of 16.5 percent and an increase of more than SR443.018 billion compared to the same period in 2024, when bank credit stood at SR2.683 trillion. Quarterly, bank credit continued to rise at all levels, recording a growth of five percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, increasing by SR146.411 billion. By the end of the first quarter of 2025, bank credit had grown from over SR2.955 trillion to over SR3.101 trillion. On a monthly basis, bank credit recorded a growth of 0.8 percent, rising by SR24.420 billion, compared to March 2025, when it stood at SR3,101,961 million. Bank credit granted to the public and private sectors was distributed across more than 17 diverse economic activities, serving as a key driver in achieving comprehensive and sustainable economic growth and contributing to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. According to SAMA data, long-term credit (for over three years) accounted for 49 percent of total bank credit, valued at over SR1.524 trillion. Short-term credit (less than one year) represented 36 percent, amounting to over SR1.135 trillion. Medium-term credit (from one to three years) comprised about 15 percent, totaling SR465.937 billion. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
11 minutes ago
- Zawya
Number of visitors to Madinah jumps 18.7% in 3 years, reaching 18mln in 2024
MADINAH - The tourism sector in Madinah has witnessed significant growth of 18.7 percent in visitor numbers over the past three years, receiving more than 18 million visitors in 2024, compared with 14.1 million in 2023 and 8.2 million in 2022. According to a report issued on Wednesday by the Madinah Chamber of Commerce, activities related to accommodation, travel agencies, and tour operations recorded an 18.7 percent increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. The report highlighted the sector's vital role in supporting economic growth and increasing the gross domestic product (GDP) through tourism spending on lodging, transportation, shopping, and other services, while also creating job opportunities in tourism-related activities and contributing to sustainable economic diversification. The chamber report outlined the key assets of Madinah's tourism sector, noting that the city is home to around 400 religious, historical, and cultural landmarks that attract visitors from across the globe. These include the Prophet's Mosque, major historic mosques, various museums and exhibitions, modern tourist destinations, and restored historical sites open to the public, such as valleys, wells, and archaeological locations—forming a major driver for tourism development in the region. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
35 minutes ago
- Zawya
UAE cements its position as global destination for attracting FDI with total inflows of $45.66bln in 2024
DUBAI – The UAE ranked 10th globally as a leading destination for inbound foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, achieving an unprecedented AED 167.6 billion (USD 45.6 billion in FDI inflows, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2025. The UAE Foreign Direct Investment Report 2025, issued by the Ministry of Investment, highlights the country's exceptional performance and unmatched success in attracting capital across strategic sectors, reinforcing its status as a premier global investment destination despite an unstable global landscape. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, declared that, under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the UAE's tenth global ranking in FDI inflows for 2024 confirms its status as a land of boundless opportunities and the premier destination for innovative businesses and bold ideas. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: 'In an international vote of confidence in the UAE's economy, the latest report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) revealed that the UAE attracted AED 167 billion ($45 billion) in foreign direct investment over the past year, marking a 48% growth compared to the previous year.' His Highness added: 'The UAE accounted for 37% of all foreign direct investment inflows into the region. Out of every $100 invested in the region, $37 comes to the UAE. The country also ranked second globally, after the United States, in the number of newly announced foreign direct investment projects. Our next goal is to attract AED 1.3 trillion in foreign direct investment over the next six years, God willing.' His Highness continued: 'Our foundation is strong, our future is promising, and our focus on our goals is crystal clear. Our message is simple: development is the key to stability, and the economy is the most important policy.' Despite a global slowdown in greenfield FDI project growth to 0.8%, the UAE achieved a remarkable 2.8% growth, solidifying its position as a key destination for investment flows. Total capital for announced greenfield FDI projects in 2024 reached AED53.3 billion (USD 14.5 billion). The UAE ranked second globally, after the United States, in attracting greenfield FDI projects, with 1,369 new projects announced in 2024. The Ministry of Investment leads these efforts by enabling investment in key sectors, providing a flexible and competitive environment for global capital, and acting as a trusted partner for international investors. The ministry continues close collaboration with federal and local government entities, investment promotion agencies, private sector companies, and international partners to develop innovative policies, enhance the UAE's investment value proposition, and unlock new avenues for long-term economic growth. Annual FDI inflows rose from AED31.6 (USD 8.6 billion) in 2015 to AED167.6 billion (USD 45.6 billion) in 2024, with cumulative FDI stock reaching USD 270.6 billion, reflecting a 10.5% compound annual growth rate from 2015 to 2024. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, stated: 'Recording this unprecedented level of FDI inflows to the UAE is an achievement that reflects the strategic choices made by our wise leadership and its long-term vision to establish the UAE as a leading global investment destination. The Ministry of Investment is committed to developing a comprehensive regulatory and legislative framework aligned with our national priorities, meeting investors' needs, and providing a competitive business environment that attracts global capital.' He added: 'The UAE's investment ecosystem has become a global model, thanks to its stability, transparency, trade openness, and ease of doing business. Through the National Investment Strategy 2031, we continue to set ambitious goals to cement the UAE's position as a leading global FDI destination. We provide a clear pathway to drive sustainable growth, double investment opportunities, diversify priority sectors, and open new horizons for global companies seeking innovation and expansion in future markets.' The strong performance of key economic sectors boosted the upward trajectory of announced greenfield FDI projects in the UAE. Software and IT services led announced FDI greenfield project values (11.5%), followed by business services (9.7%), renewable energy (9.3%), coal, oil, and gas (9%), and real estate (7.8%). The energy sector attracted AED4.8 billion USD 1.3 billion in greenfield FDI, advancing the UAE's national goal to triple renewable energy production capacity by 2030. The UAE's supportive investment policies and robust strategic partnerships have solidified its position as a primary destination for foreign capital in the region, capturing approximately 37% of the region's FDI inflows in 2024. The UAE continues to attract top global talent, driven by policies supporting its investment strategy, including full foreign ownership in mainland companies, a competitive 9% corporate tax rate, streamlined licensing procedures, and enhanced legal protections. These policies have fostered a favorable investment climate, while strong legal frameworks, such as the Dubai International Arbitration Centre, have bolstered investor confidence and safeguarded their interests. The UAE ranks fifth globally in attracting highly skilled talent (per the 2024 Global Talent Competitiveness Index by INSEAD) and third in attracting AI talent (per Stanford University's 2024 AI Index), reinforcing its status as a leading hub for professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Global partnerships are another key driver of investment attraction, with 21 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements and 120 bilateral investment treaties clearly supporting the investment landscape. This momentum is underpinned by the UAE's significant investments in digital transformation, exemplified by the USD 1.5 billion joint venture between Microsoft and Abu Dhabi-based G42 to advance AI capabilities and set new standards for innovation. The National Investment Strategy 2031 aims to double annual FDI inflows by 2031, targeting AED 2.2 trillion cumulative FDI by 2031, as per the National Investment Strategy (NIS). The strategy focuses on priority sectors such as advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, financial services, and IT, emphasising sustainability and innovation. Initiatives under this strategy aim to cement the UAE's global leadership in economic diversification and technological advancement.
