Under the auspices of the Smart Autonomous Systems Council, and in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Saeed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the General Civil Aviation Authority, and the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), part of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, signed a cooperation agreement to enhance the design, manufacturing, and operation of advanced air mobility systems. This will be achieved by adopting innovative technological solutions in air transport, unifying efforts to approve designs, ensuring the efficiency of smart aviation systems, and developing regulatory frameworks for sustainable air transport solutions. This aligns with the goals and directives of the Smart Autonomous Systems Council to shape the future of the smart transport sector in the emirate and elevate the transportation system using autonomous systems on land, sea, and air.
Under the agreement, the relevant entities will collaborate to develop and build the necessary capabilities in design, manufacturing, and the establishment of specifications and requirements to support the approval and regulation of modern aviation technologies, including electric helicopters. A specialized center will be established in Al Ain for design approval, operational testing, and the development of regulatory frameworks. This center will also focus on developing specialized infrastructure, attracting and training national talent, and establishing international partnerships to support the testing, approval, safety, and adherence to best practices and the highest international standards for advanced air mobility solutions. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, said: “The UAE is a leading global destination in aviation regulation and air safety. Through this agreement, we aim to solidify the country’s position in the design, manufacturing, and operation of intelligent air systems, ensuring its readiness to adopt and monitor the next generation of air transport technologies and ensuring that the UAE’s aviation regulatory framework keeps pace with the latest technological developments in the aviation sector.”
Badr Salim Sultan Al Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, said: “Abu Dhabi possesses all the necessary elements and capabilities to become a regional and international leader in advanced air mobility. Through efforts aimed at enhancing the innovation ecosystem and continuing to build capabilities in the design, manufacturing, certification, and testing of advanced technologies in Al Ain, we are establishing a new global center of excellence in this field and supporting Abu Dhabi’s goals of building a diversified, knowledge-based economy.”