A flying boat powered by hydrogen that celebrates the UAE's pearl legacy was unveiled at the Dubai International Boat Show on Thursday.
The vessel, called X-Pearl, has been designed to transport up to eight passengers “at the crossroads of the comfort of a luxury car, the convenience of a fast boat and the stability of a plane”, said French company SeaBubbles, which designed and built it.
SeaBubbles has signed an agreement with the UAE's Al Masaood Group for the development of hydrogen projects in the country.
The company envisages X-Pearl being used as a water taxi, VIP shuttle or private yacht. It can also be used for eco-tourism purposes in protected areas.
“Navigating on the SeaBubbles X-Pearl is as smooth for the passengers as it is for the environment … a sensation that mirrors a high-tech zero-emission flying pearl above the water,” said Virginie Seurat, vice president of SeaBubbles.
Dubai International Boat Show 2022 - in pictures
The boat operates by flying on submerged wings that lift the craft, in a manner similar to how a plane operates.
A hydrogen fuel cell generates the supply of electricity for the internal systems and propulsion pods, and a battery pack supports it during flight to balance its power needs.
The craft, which emits only water, is designed to rely on renewable energy sources.
Also, foils fitted on the boat reduce its “wetted surface area”, helping to optimise the on-board power usage. This represents a saving of 35 per cent of necessary power for the same speed, as compared with a regular boat, SeaBubbles said.
It was announced this year that the world's first hydrogen-powered hydrofoil is to be manufactured in Dubai.
The Jet ZeroEmission, a Switzerland-based start-up, signed an agreement with the UAE’s Zenith Marine Services and Dwyn to manufacture and operate what it called the first clean energy, hydrogen-powered “flying boat” called The Jet.
It has capacity for eight to 12 passengers and is equipped with two fuel cells and other environmentally friendly technology to help reduce carbon emissions.
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
The more serious side of specialty coffee
While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.
The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.
Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”
One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.
Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Long Shot
Director: Jonathan Levine
Starring: Charlize Theron, Seth Rogan
Four stars
Terminator: Dark Fate
Director: Tim Miller
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Mackenzie Davis
Rating: 3/5
Know your camel milk:
Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
Texture: Smooth and creamy, with a slightly thinner consistency than cow’s milk.
Use it: In your morning coffee, to add flavour to homemade ice cream and milk-heavy desserts, smoothies, spiced camel-milk hot chocolate.
Goes well with: chocolate and caramel, saffron, cardamom and cloves. Also works well with honey and dates.
Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
- Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
- It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
- Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
- Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
At a glance - Zayed Sustainability Prize 2020
Launched: 2008
Categories: Health, energy, water, food, global high schools
Prize: Dh2.2 million (Dh360,000 for global high schools category)
Winners’ announcement: Monday, January 13
Impact in numbers
335 million people positively impacted by projects
430,000 jobs created
10 million people given access to clean and affordable drinking water
50 million homes powered by renewable energy
6.5 billion litres of water saved
26 million school children given solar lighting
