The journey could cost as little as AED 165.
Seagliders could be making waves in the UAE. 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) have signed an agreement to support the launch of Seaglider operations in the emirate by 2028.
Seagliders are Wing-in-Ground (WIG) effect craft: fully electric, high-speed and zero-emission vessels designed to travel just above the sea surface, helping to cut journey times. VERSA, the UAE’s first Seaglider operator, has been developing the project since 2022, with services scheduled to begin in 2028.
According to a statement, the agreement reflects a shared commitment to improve coastal transport in Abu Dhabi through advanced, lower-impact mobility solutions. Early plans will focus on routes linking Abu Dhabi City with the Al Dhafra Region, with potential expansion across the wider emirate and the UAE at a later stage. The initiative is expected to support economic growth, tourism and infrastructure development, while helping to shape the regulatory frameworks needed to enable next-generation marine mobility.
The company behind the new mode of transport previously announced that it could cut travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to just 30 minutes at a price of AED 165 per journey, half the price of a taxi. It is estimated that 85 per cent of the UAE’s population lives along the coast, and 63 per cent of UAE residents travel between coastal destinations at least once a month.
The group has developed the seaglider, which is a boat meets plane. Operating a few metres off the water’s surface, it boasts the low operating costs of a boat and the high speed of an aeroplane. The passenger service will likely include 20-metre wingspan models, speeds of up to 290kph, and space for 12 passengers. Plus, it aims to be 100 per cent emission-free and to help the UAE reach its net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
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 fostering sustainable growth and delivering unparalleled experiences for both our community and international visitors. This collaboration underscores our dedication to smart city initiatives and green technologies, ensuring the emirate remains a leading destination for innovation, continuously enhancing quality of life and the visitor experience.”
Sheikha Alyazia Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairperson and Owner, VERSA Advanced Maritime Services, said: “When we first envisioned Seagliders in 2022, it wasn’t just about launching a new vessel, it was about rethinking what coastal mobility could mean for our country. Being the UAE’s first Seaglider operator is both an honour and a responsibility. This partnership allows us to transform innovation into infrastructure, clean, fast, and purpose-built for the emirates. Together with our government partners, we’re not just creating a new mode of transport, we’re contributing to shaping a national legacy of sustainable progress and global leadership.”
Check in with FACT for the best things to do in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
GO: Visit www.versaams.ae for more information.