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.
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
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- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
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- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
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Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
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AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
