News

Abu Dhabi Airports Exploring Options For Air Taxis

Abu Dhabi Airports has just signed an agreement with French counterpart Groupe ADP in a bid to explore how airport infrastructure could be updated to incorporate air taxis.

Published

2 years ago

November 9, 2022

Nour Nasir

abu dhabi airports exploring options for air taxis

Abu Dhabi Airports has teamed up with France-based Groupe ADP to incorporate air taxis into the airport infrastructure. The two groups have drawn up an advanced air mobility (AAM) plan, focusing on Abu Dhabi’s airspace and the viability of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. If plans are successful, the Emirate could see fleets of highly efficient craft darting around the region, ferrying both people and small cargo loads.

The joint team have agreed to share the responsibilities of planning, development and design and will soon draft a feasibility study after discussions with stakeholders.

abu dhabi airports signs deal wit groupe adp

“The advanced air mobility system integrates flight technologies with transformational aircraft designs which utilize electric power to hover, take off and land vertically, enabling sustainability in air transport for both passengers and cargo,” says Jamal Al Dhaheri, managing director and chief executive of Abu Dhabi Airports.

It’s hoped that eventually, the planned infrastructure and technology will not only drive further improvements to the region’s sustainability credentials, but also improve transport convenience and efficiency through the use of low maintenance high speed air taxis.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia To Build 150,000 EVs Annually By 2026

Groupe ADP and Abu Dhabi Airports aren’t alone in their desire to develop air taxi infrastructure. Many companies worldwide have already begun to explore the regulatory implications of this new type of transport, and major airlines are keen to develop viable battery-powered aircraft designs that can take off and land vertically.

In the future, it looks increasingly likely that our cities will resemble something from a sci-fi movie, with taxis taking off and landing from “vertiports” on building rooftops, helping residents beat traffic queues and get to main transportation hubs on time.

News

“AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships

The new mandatory certification is designed to build trust in AI companies and create a reliable network of providers for government and public collaboration.

Published

16 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Nour Nasir

ai seal certification now required for dubai gov partnerships

Dubai Media Office

Dubai has introduced the Dubai AI Seal, a certification designed to establish trust in artificial intelligence (AI) companies and solutions. This initiative, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aims to create a reliable network of AI providers which government entities and businesses can collaborate confidently.

Companies must now obtain the AI Seal to qualify for UAE or Dubai government contracts. The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), which developed the certification, sees it as a competitive edge for companies looking to participate in key national projects. Once certified, businesses will be permitted to showcase the seal across their websites and marketing materials, signaling their credibility and dependability.

The evaluation process will consider six main criteria: the company’s services and operations, the number of employees specializing in AI, ongoing and future projects, as well as existing partnerships with public and private sector entities.

dubai ai seal certification

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, which oversees the DCAI, commented on the initiative’s potential: “This initiative will help create powerful partnerships between the public and private sectors, locally, regionally, and globally. It will help drive new economic opportunities by leveraging AI to serve better the economy, society, and the future we aspire to”.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

The Dubai AI Seal’s goals include providing a clear framework for verifying AI providers, fostering business opportunities for AI companies, and acknowledging the industry’s strategic importance to Dubai’s economy. The initiative emphasizes AI’s role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening collaboration between government bodies and technology firms.

All technology companies operating in Dubai and offering AI-related services or products are eligible to apply for the certification at no cost through the official website.