Passenger-carrying drone flights held in Abu Dhabi


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Abu Dhabi has hosted trials for passenger-carrying drones that can travel more than 25km.

Two test flights took place. The first was a trial of a five-seat drone capable of travelling for more than 25km, carrying up to 350kg, according to Abu Dhabi Media Office.

The second involved a smaller drone, capable of carrying two passengers and travelling for up to 35km in about 20 minutes.

The trials were part of an exhibition by the Multi Level Group (MLG), as part of the Abu Dhabi Mobility Week that took place last week.

“Being part of this historic moment is truly exhilarating," said Mohamed Al Dhaheri, a board member of MLG, according to Abu Dhabi Media Office on Wednesday evening.

"The seamless integration of technology and aviation represents a significant leap forward for our nation, and as an Emirati I am proud to be a part of it.”

Mr Al Dhaheri took part in the test flight of the passenger-carrying drone.

The UAE is no stranger to drone technology.

The National reported in February how Dubai was firming up plans to introduce flying taxis to the emirate by 2026, with agreements signed with Joby Aviation and Skyports Infrastructure.

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Company profile

Date started: Founded in May 2017 and operational since April 2018

Founders: co-founder and chief executive, Doaa Aref; Dr Rasha Rady, co-founder and chief operating officer.

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: Health-tech

Size: 22 employees

Funding: Seed funding 

Investors: Flat6labs, 500 Falcons, three angel investors

Founders: Ines Mena, Claudia Ribas, Simona Agolini, Nourhan Hassan and Therese Hundt

Date started: January 2017, app launched November 2017

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Private/Retail/Leisure

Number of Employees: 18 employees, including full-time and flexible workers

Funding stage and size: Seed round completed Q4 2019 - $1m raised

Funders: Oman Technology Fund, 500 Startups, Vision Ventures, Seedstars, Mindshift Capital, Delta Partners Ventures, with support from the OQAL Angel Investor Network and UAE Business Angels

Updated: May 09, 2024, 4:28 AM`