The journey could cost as little as AED 165.
Seagliders could be making waves in the UAE. Regent Craft, the company behind the new mode of transport, has announced how it could cut travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Thanks to the new electric-powered machines that glide over water, it could take 30 minutes and cost AED 165, half the price of a taxi.
According to Regent Craft, 85 per cent of the UAE’s population lives along the coast, and 63 per cent of UAE residents travel between coastal destinations at least once a month. The company also aims to offer routes to Dalma Island, which is currently only accessible via flights.
The group has developed the seaglider, which is a boat meets plane. Operating a few metres off of the water’s surface, it boasts the low operating costs of a boat and the high speed of an aeroplane. The passenger service, Viceroy, will include 20-metre wingspan models, speeds of up to 290kph, and space for 12 passengers. Plus, it aims to be 100 per cent emission-free and help the UAE reach its goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
In January 2025, Regent Craft recently signed a partnership with Abu Dhabi Maritime, which looks at introducing the transportation mode to the market. Abu Dhabi Maritime stated: “We are pleased to announce we have signed an agreement with Regent Craft. This agreement has the potential to enhance sustainable transportation options in the emirate’s maritime sector and reflects a shared commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s vision for a greener and more efficient future.”
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GO: Visit www.regentcraft.com for more information.