An agreement is signed between Abu Dhabi-based manufacturer Monarch Holding and Chinese firm EHang Holdings, an autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) technology platform company to build the first electric aircraft facility in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena).
It will manufacture and operate sustainable, electric-powered aircraft and drones for passengers and cargo transportation in Abu Dhabi. This aims at the country’s new circular economy regulatory framework, green policies, and it comes as a part of incentives to continue its transition towards a smart, circular, and sustainable economy.
Besides manufacturing sustainable electric aircraft and drones at the facility, it will also establish a command-and-control centre to manage urban air mobility autonomously. This will also build infrastructure, vertiports , and facilities for operating electric aircraft and drones, as well as provide training the locals and giving them job opportunities.
An autonomous flight management system operated by artificial intelligence, supporting sustainable and electric-powered commercial aircraft and drones will also be established.
The project, which focuses on improving smart and sustainable mobility, will enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as the smartest city in the Middle East and North Africa.
Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said, “Abu Dhabi is focusing on knowledge-based, innovation-driven economic sectors. The Industrial strategy is a major factor in achieving our objectives as its programmes aim to enhance and adopt methods and technologies of industry 4.0, circular economy, talent development, ecosystem enablement, homegrown supply chain, and value chain development.”
“This partnership reflects the high level of our infrastructure for advanced and smart industries and developed legislative and regulatory frameworks in the emirate, which provides an attractive environment for innovations and investments in advanced industries and technological transformation,” he said.
Hussain Ali Alomaeirah, Founder and Chairman of Monarch Holding, said, “This venture will support the future of the transportation sector in Abu Dhabi in line with the government vision to enhance the fundamentals of the smart city. It provides a new cargo and passenger transportation concept, utilising advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and sustainable energy with zero carbon emissions. Monarch is establishing partnerships with the world’s best manufacturer of electric aircraft, and a designer and consulting company for urban air mobility, which develops and operates the most advanced UAM systems in the world,” he added. “We develop a full ecosystem that considers the evolution and safety of the aircraft and the airspace, infrastructure development, and community engagement with the new technologies,” he remarked.
The fourth meeting of the Industry Development Council (IDC) recently discussed the key national developments in various fields such as industry, manufacturing, technology and sustainability. They discussed the measures to stimulate the industrial sector. It analysed the progress of important projects, such as updates to legislation and regulation, and the progress on the industrial census.
It also discussed the policies required to generate electricity from renewable energy sources in line with the UAE’s efforts to reduce emissions and reach net zero. It further explored the key enablers and incentives that support sustainable industrial development.
