Abu Dhabi charts seaglider rollout by 2028

Abu Dhabi is preparing to introduce electric seaglider services across the emirate by 2028, positioning the technology as a new pillar in its transport and tourism strategy after a multi-agency agreement signed on Friday set the framework for development, regulation and investment.

The accord brings together the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the Integrated Transport Centre operating as Abu Dhabi Mobility, and VERSA Advanced Maritime Services. Under the arrangement, the partners will coordinate policy, infrastructure planning and operational readiness for wing-in-ground effect craft that skim just above the sea surface, promising fast coastal and island connections with no tailpipe emissions.

Seagliders are fully electric vessels that combine characteristics of boats and aircraft. By exploiting ground effect, they achieve aircraft-like speeds while remaining close to the water, cutting energy use and avoiding the noise and fuel burn associated with conventional aviation. Developers say the craft can reduce journey times between coastal hubs and offshore destinations while maintaining maritime safety standards.

VERSA, the first seaglider operator established in the UAE, has been working on the concept since 2022. Its roadmap targets initial commercial operations in 2028, subject to certification milestones, route approvals and the completion of charging and maintenance facilities. Company executives have indicated that Abu Dhabi’s geography, with its spread of islands and developed coastline, offers an ideal testbed for scaled deployment.

Officials involved in the agreement describe the project as both a transport innovation and an economic play. Faster maritime links are expected to support tourism flows to cultural sites, resorts and natural attractions while creating demand for new technical skills in vessel operations, battery systems and digital traffic management. ADIO’s participation signals the emirate’s intent to anchor parts of the seaglider supply chain locally, from operations management to component servicing.

Regulatory preparation is central to the plan. Abu Dhabi Mobility will oversee integration with existing maritime rules, port operations and passenger safety frameworks, while also working with federal authorities to align standards for a category of craft that sits between ships and aircraft. Clear certification pathways are seen as essential for investor confidence and for insurers assessing risk in early deployments.

The technology has attracted global attention as coastal cities search for lower-carbon alternatives to short-haul flights and high-speed ferries. International manufacturers are advancing prototypes with ranges suitable for inter-city coastal travel, and several regions are assessing pilot routes. Abu Dhabi’s move places it among the first jurisdictions in the Middle East to commit publicly to a timeline for commercial operations.

Cost and scalability remain under scrutiny. Seagliders require high-capacity batteries, specialised docks and reliable charging infrastructure, all of which add upfront expense. Industry analysts note that economic viability will depend on passenger volumes, energy prices and maintenance cycles, particularly in warm marine environments where thermal management and corrosion resistance are critical.

Environmental performance is a key selling point. Operating on electricity, the craft eliminate operational emissions and reduce wake compared with conventional boats, an advantage in sensitive marine areas. Planners say route design will account for wildlife protection and coastal regulations, with trials expected to inform operating envelopes before passenger services begin.

Tourism authorities view the vessels as an experience as well as a mode of transport, potentially offering scenic, time-efficient connections between landmarks. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has framed the initiative as complementing broader efforts to diversify visitor experiences while aligning with sustainability targets set out in the emirate’s long-term development plans.