Abu Dhabi Trials Self-Driving Drones for Air Tours

Abu Dhabi is gearing up to take a significant leap in transportation innovation by launching the first trial vertiport in the UAE. This initiative is spearheaded by The Advanced Mobility Hub (AMH), a subsidiary of Multi Level Group, and marks an exciting development in the realm of sustainable transport within the emirate.

What’s Happening?

In collaboration with Abu Dhabi Ports Group, AMH is set to conduct the first-ever self-driving drone test at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in Port Zayed. This project aims to explore the potential of sustainable transportation through the use of eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) and autonomous aircraft, which are capable of carrying between two to five passengers or handling various logistics tasks.

اتفاقية بحث سبل التعاون، التي وقَّعتها أدنوك ومجموعة موانئ أبوظبي و"&e" ومجموعة مالتي ليفيل، تسهم في تعزيز جهود أبوظبي المستمرة في توظيف التقنيات الحديثة لدعم قطاع التنقُّل الجوي والبري والبحري. pic.twitter.com/rrhsKHamOV

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) November 4, 2024

Enhancing the Travel Experience

"This plan aims to enrich the experience of cruise passengers and contribute to enhancing tourism activities in the UAE," said Mohamed Salah, CEO of Multi Level Group. He emphasized that this initiative would offer air tours showcasing Abu Dhabi's stunning tourist attractions. This, in turn, is expected to increase the number of tourist nights and introduce more sustainable, non-polluting activities.

Collaborations for a Sustainable Future

An agreement between key players, including ADNOC, AD Ports Group, Multi Level Group, and e&, will further explore using eVTOLs for cargo operations. This collaboration aims to boost efficiency, reduce operational costs, and lower carbon emissions, addressing transportation and logistics needs for the petroleum services sector both on land and at sea.

Moreover, these entities will share insights on harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to improve local services and promote sustainable energy practices.

Roles of Different Entities

The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal will work with its partners to provide logistical support, utilizing its existing infrastructure to ensure that the necessary preparations are made for the trial. Operations will be managed by various subsidiaries of Multi Level Group under the AMH umbrella. These include:

• Wings Logistics: Responsible for drone services catering to both passenger and cargo transportation.
• Space Falcon: Focused on drone surveillance for special missions like firefighting and inspections.
• Vertihub and Unified Aviation: Providing essential infrastructure operations, port audits, and ground support for airports.
• Connected Vehicles for Charging Points: Offering smart charging services for connected vehicles.
• Emirates Academy for Training and Education Programs: Delivering educational initiatives to enhance national UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) expertise.

Additionally, the UAE Ambassadors program aims to train Emirati students in advanced technology skills, fostering expertise in specialized fields like drone logistics through partnerships with educational institutions.

A New Era of Sustainable Transportation Awaits in Abu Dhabi

The launch of the trial vertiport and self-driving drone test in Abu Dhabi represents a significant step towards the future of transportation in the UAE. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, this initiative not only aims to enhance the tourism experience but also sets the stage for advanced logistical operations. As Abu Dhabi continues to invest in smart transportation solutions, the emirate is poised to lead the way in transforming how we think about travel and logistics.