Abu Dhabi Plans Electric Seagliders for Coastal Transport
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Abu Dhabi Mobility, and VERSA Advanced Maritime Services have signed a strategic agreement to modernize coastal transport across the emirate.
Through this collaboration, the partners will introduce Seaglider operations by 2028. As a result, residents and visitors will gain faster, cleaner connections along Abu Dhabi’s coastline.
Initially, routes will link Abu Dhabi City with the Al Dhafra Region. Later, services will expand across the emirate and potentially throughout the wider UAE. Consequently, the initiative aims to strengthen tourism, infrastructure development, and regulatory readiness while supporting national sustainability goals.
Moreover, the program supports Abu Dhabi’s broader vision for innovation-driven growth and seamless mobility.
Electric Seagliders Set to Transform Coastal Travel
Seagliders use Wing-in-Ground technology to travel just above the sea surface. Therefore, they significantly reduce travel times while operating as fully electric, zero-emission vessels.
Meanwhile, VERSA has advanced project development since 2022 and plans to begin operations in 2028. At the same time, stakeholders will assess feasibility, environmental impact, and commercial viability.
In addition, the partnership will examine route planning, scheduling, and operational models. Together, these efforts align coastal mobility with Abu Dhabi’s tourism strategy and smart city objectives.
Furthermore, the initiative supports environmentally responsible transport while improving access between key destinations.
Building Sustainable Infrastructure and Economic Impact
Beyond transportation, the project also targets economic growth and enhanced visitor experiences. Accordingly, Seagliders will contribute to stronger connectivity across coastal communities.
At the same time, the agreement promotes low-emission marine travel and integrated mobility across land, air, and sea. As a result, Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable transport innovation.
Finally, this collaboration reinforces long-term infrastructure development while advancing the goals of Tourism Strategy 2030, which prioritizes sustainable expansion and strategic investment throughout the emirate.
