Abu Dhabi to build MENA’s first sustainable electric aircraft, drone manufacturing plant – News

New project in line with initiative of Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy

Hussain Ali Alomaeirah, founder and chairman of Monarch, signed the agreement with Nicholas Yang, director of EHang Holdings. – Photos provided

Abu Dhabi will be the first facility in the Middle East and Africa to manufacture and operate sustainable electric aircraft and drones for passenger and freight transport.

Abu Dhabi-based Monarch Airplane Manufacturing and EHang Holdings, China’s leading autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) technology platform company, have signed a partnership agreement to build a state-of-the-art facility in the UAE capital.

Under the deal, a command and control center will be created to autonomously manage urban air traffic, and infrastructure, vertiports — take-off and landing platforms — and facilities to operate electric aircraft and drones will be built. The facility will provide opportunities to qualify and train Emirati talent.

“This partnership to manufacture and manage electric aircraft and drones for freight and passengers reflects our high level of infrastructure for advanced and smart industries and the legislative and regulatory frameworks in place in the emirate, which provide for innovation and investment in advanced industries. It provides an attractive environment and technological transformation,” said Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Deputy Minister of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi.

The new projects are in line with the initiatives of Abu Dhabi’s Industrial Strategy, including innovative technologies for Industry 4.0, a new circular economy regulatory framework, and new green policies and incentives to continue the transition to a smart, circular and sustainable economy.

“As part of its efforts to transition to the next stage of economic diversification, Abu Dhabi is focusing on knowledge-based, innovation-driven , Encourage and adopt methodologies and technologies of Industry 4.0, circular economy, talent development, ecosystem support, indigenous supply chain and value chain development,” said Al Blooshi.

Freight, Passenger

The project will facilitate the flow of goods and merchandise to points of sale, ports and airports and enhance seamless trade. It will help create advanced infrastructure for artificial intelligence-operated vertiports and autonomous flight management systems, supported by sustainable and electric commercial aircraft and drone technologies. It will be implemented through collaborations and partnerships with local entities to enable Abu Dhabi to embrace urban aviation technology.

“To ensure the best conditions for investors and entrepreneurs, ADDED has launched a number of initiatives to improve the ease of doing business and trade, financing, and attract foreign direct investment,” Al Blooshi emphasized.

Hussain Ali Alomaeirah, founder and chairman of Monarch, signed the agreement with Nicholas Yang, director of EHang Holdings.

“The joint venture will support the future of the transport sector in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, in line with the government’s vision to strengthen the foundations of smart cities. It offers a new concept of freight and passenger transport using advanced technology, artificial intelligence and sustainable energy with zero carbon emissions ,” Alomaeirah said.

The project focuses on improving smart and sustainable mobility and will enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as the smartest city in the region.

“Monarch is partnering with the world’s best electric aircraft manufacturer and urban air mobility (UAM) design and consultancy firm, which develops and operates the world’s most advanced UAM systems,” Alomaeirah added.