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.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Company profile
Name: The Concept
Founders: Yadhushan Mahendran, Maria Sobh and Muhammad Rijal
Based: Abu Dhabi
Founded: 2017
Number of employees: 7
Sector: Aviation and space industry
Funding: $250,000
Future plans: Looking to raise $1 million investment to boost expansion and develop new products
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo
Transmission: CVT
Power: 170bhp
Torque: 220Nm
Price: Dh98,900
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company%20profile
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Getting there
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Tbilisi from Dh1,025 return including taxes
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Profile
Company: Libra Project
Based: Masdar City, ADGM, London and Delaware
Launch year: 2017
Size: A team of 12 with six employed full-time
Sector: Renewable energy
Funding: $500,000 in Series A funding from family and friends in 2018. A Series B round looking to raise $1.5m is now live.
