Abu Dhabi to boost coastal travel with seagliders by 2028

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Abu Dhabi has unveiled plans to launch electric seaglider operations by 2028, marking the latest milestone in the emirate’s drive to advance fast, sustainable transport and enhance coastal connectivity for residents and visitors. An archipelago city built across low-lying islands, the UAE capital offers extensive sheltered waterways and short inter-island hops that suit seaborne passenger services.

The initiative follows an agreement between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) and Versa Advanced Maritime Services (VERSA) to develop the required infrastructure and operational framework.

The fully electric seagliders, known as Wing-in-Ground (WIG) effect craft, combine the speed of aircraft with the convenience of watercraft. Flying just above the surface using aerodynamic lift, the zero-emission vehicles will reach speeds of up to 290km per hour – faster than a helicopter – dramatically reducing travel times between coastal destinations.

Initial routes are planned to connect Abu Dhabi City with the Al Dhafra Region in the emirate’s west, a key desert-and-coast tourism area that combines Empty Quarter dunes, Gulf islands and rich heritage attractions. Future phases will expand to link more destinations across the emirate and, eventually, the wider UAE coastline.

abu dhabi aerial shutterstock 2413438753

Abu Dhabi is a coastal archipelago city

Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “By embracing advanced and environmentally friendly mobility solutions like seagliders, we are not only enhancing connectivity across Abu Dhabi but also reinforcing our commitment to sustainable growth and delivering unparalleled experiences for both our community and international visitors.”

Beyond Abu Dhabi, the initiative ties into the UAE’s wider vision for inter-emirate connectivity, with plans for seagliders to link the UAE capital and Dubai through an agreement with Regent Craft for its 12-seat Viceroy model, with the 30-minute service priced at AED165 one way, according to Regent CEO Billy Thalheimer.

The forthcoming seaglider network complements several next-generation transport projects rolling out across the UAE capital, with Abu Dhabi recently becoming the first city in the Middle East to offer fully driverless robotaxi services, operated by WeRide in partnership with Uber.

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In 2026, the emirate is set to become one of the first in the region to launch commercial flying taxi services. Developed in partnership with Archer Aviation and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft will connect key urban and tourism hubs – including Abu Dhabi International Airport, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island – cutting travel times between the airport and the city to under ten minutes.

Meanwhile, Etihad Rail is expanding its passenger network from 2026, with the national railway set to link major cities including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Across Abu Dhabi emirate, new stations at Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezaira’a and Al Faya will connect desert communities, coastal towns and emerging tourism hubs to the capital, with a direct Abu Dhabi–Dubai journey expected to take around 50 minutes.

For more information, visit dct.gov.ae