Abu Dhabi residents can soon fly out of these locations
If you've been following whatson.ae, you'd have read that the UAE's pioneering vertiport successfully conducted vertical take-off and landing at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi last summer.
Now, another massive step has been taken in this direction, as it has been revealed that vertiports will be constructed at 3 locations in Abu Dhabi: Yas Island, Khalifa Port, and Al Bateen.
The news was announced by Abu Dhabi-based LODD who specialise in AI-powered drone tech, and it was elaborated that the 3 locations were selected after carefully assessing over 10 different potential sites. With flying taxis set to take to the UAE's skies from as early as next year to support both passenger and logistical services, the new vertiports will connect key sites within Abu Dhabi with the added potential of connecting locations across the UAE.
Past trials have shown that a small-sized drone could carry two passengers for up to a distance of 35km, while larger drones are capable of seating as many as 5 passengers, over a distance of 250km with a load of 350kg, and at reported speeds of about 185km/h.
Future plans include the local manufacture of drone parts such as motors and batteries, with an eye on developing these materials in the UAE and exporting them globally.
Eyes up to the skies…
Media: What's On archive
> Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
28 minutes ago
- Zawya
FAB becomes MENA's first lender to join CIPS as direct participant
Abu Dhabi: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has become the first lender in the MENA region to join the cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) as a direct participant (DP), according to a press release. FAB's direct participation in CIPS, the official cross-border payment infrastructure for Renminbi (RMB), improves its ability to provide clients with faster, more secure, and efficient cross-border RMB payment solutions. The announcement also reinforces the ADX-listed bank's position in cash management and clearing across the MENA region. Meanwhile, FAB is the only UAE bank operating a fully licensed branch in Mainland China and is committed to meeting the needs of clients and partners in both markets. This aligns with FAB's leadership in digital transformation and its commitment to anchoring the UAE's position as a regional financial hub. Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO at FAB, said: "Our direct participation in CIPS significantly enhances our ability to provide faster, more secure and efficient RMB payment solutions and deliver real-time settlement capabilities.' 'This development reinforces our leadership in regional cash management and clearing. It also strengthens FAB's role as a trusted financial infrastructure partner for clients transacting between China, the UAE and the broader MENA region," Al Rostamani highlighted. FAB is also the first bank in the MENA region to deploy Oracle and Mastercard's solution to revolutionize business-to-business (B2B) finance and payments transactions. In the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, the UAE-based lender logged net profits valued at AED 5.12 billion, higher by 23% year-on-year (YoY) than AED 4.15 billion.
Zawya
28 minutes ago
- Zawya
Aldar registers $953mln in Fahid Island sales during launch week
Abu Dhabi: Aldar Properties generated more than AED 3.50 billion in sales at Fahid Beach Residences and The Beach House, according to a press release. The Fahid Island homes attracted several buyers due to their position as Abu Dhabi's first coastal wellness destination, the waterfront lifestyle, and proximity to super-premium education at King's College School Wimbledon. Expatriate residents and overseas buyers equaled 67% of total sales, with buyers from the UAE, Russia, the UK, and China making up the top nationalities by sales volume In response to the increasing demand for Fahid Beach Residences, Aldar accelerated the launch of Fahid Island's second residential offering, Jonathan Emery, CEO at Aldar Development, said: 'The success reflects Abu Dhabi's position as one of the world's most desirable investment and lifestyle destinations and we are expecting continued interest in Fahid Island as Abu Dhabi's first wellness island builds its profile on the global stage.' Aldar recently teamed up with King's College School Wimbledon to launch its first regional campus on Abu Dhabi's Fahid Island.
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Union Insurance reduces capital by 30.5% to offset accumulated losses
Abu Dhabi: Union Insurance Company reduced its capital by 30.50% from AED 330.93 million to AED 230 million to offset accumulated losses amounting to AED 142.74 million. The transaction will be executed by utilizing AED 41.80 million from reserves, including AED 21.85 million from the statutory reserve and AED 19.95 million from the legal reserve, to partially offset the losses. Meanwhile, the remaining AED 100.93 million will be written off by cancelling a corresponding number of shares. The last trading day before the capital adjustment is scheduled for 24 June 2025, with trading suspended on 25 and 26 June. The capital cut will take effect before trading hours on 30 June 2025, which will also mark the first trading day following the reduction.
