The Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the General Civil Aviation Authority and the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) have signed a cooperation agreement to accelerate advanced air mobility solutions. The pact, signed under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council and in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Saeed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, focuses on design, manufacturing and regulatory frameworks for emerging aircraft technologies.
Collaboration aims and scope
The three entities will work on State of Design and State of Manufacture documentation, creating specifications that guide certification of electric vertical take‑off and landing (eVTOL) and electric conventional take‑off and landing (eCTOL) systems. By aligning design certification efforts, the agreement seeks to improve the efficiency of smart aviation systems and support sustainable air transport solutions across the emirate.
Al Ain Region is earmarked as a global hub for design and regulatory activities. The plan includes building supporting infrastructure, technical expertise and international partnerships to ensure safe and sustainable operations. The programme’s design will be tailored to match international standards and best practice, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role in the emerging sector.
“The UAE has long been a global leader in aviation regulation and safety. Through this collaboration, we are taking meaningful steps towards developing the capabilities associated with a State of Design, reinforcing our readiness to guide and certify the next generation of advanced aircraft technologies.”
— Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director‑General, General Civil Aviation Authority
Regulatory and design framework
Director General Badr Al‑Olama of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office highlighted the strategic importance of advanced air mobility. He noted that building capabilities for aircraft design, manufacture, certification and testing in Al Ain will create a new global centre of excellence and advance the UAE’s vision for a knowledge‑based, future‑ready economy.
“Advanced air mobility is a defining frontier for sustainable innovation, and Abu Dhabi is uniquely positioned to lead in this field.”
— Badr Al‑Olama, Director General, Abu Dhabi Investment Office
Acting Director‑General Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli of the Integrated Transport Centre added that the agreement marks a strategic step toward strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for certification, design and manufacturing of advanced air mobility technologies. The collaboration aims to build a comprehensive regulatory and operational ecosystem that supports adoption of these technologies across the emirate’s transport network, driving greater innovation and improved mobility efficiency.
The agreement did not specify the exact funding amount or timeline for implementation.
Frequently asked questions
Who signed the advanced air mobility pact in Abu Dhabi?
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the General Civil Aviation Authority and the Integrated Transport Centre signed the cooperation agreement, with Sheikh Hamdan bin Saeed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan present.
What is the purpose of the air mobility agreement in Al Ain?
The pact aims to accelerate design, manufacturing and certification of electric vertical and conventional take‑off and landing aircraft, establishing Al Ain as a global hub for advanced air mobility.
What types of aircraft are covered by the Abu Dhabi air mobility plan?
The agreement focuses on electric vertical take‑off and landing (eVTOL) and electric conventional take‑off and landing (eCTOL) systems, covering their design, manufacture and regulatory frameworks.
How will the agreement support the UAE’s aviation sector?
By aligning design certification, building infrastructure and expertise, the pact seeks to improve smart aviation efficiency, support sustainable air transport and reinforce the UAE’s role as a global aviation regulator.
Where will the new advanced air mobility hub be established?
The Al Ain region has been earmarked as the global hub for design, certification and regulatory activities under the agreement.
What role does the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council play in the pact?
The council supervised the signing of the agreement, ensuring the collaboration aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader smart and autonomous systems strategy.
