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Aramex And Regent To Develop Electric Seagliders
The UAE logistics company will team up with a US maritime transport firm to explore opportunities in the Middle East and beyond.
Aramex, the Middle East’s largest courier company, has teamed with US maritime transport firm Regent to develop a fleet of electric seagliders to transport goods from ports to warehouses and distribution centers.
The Regent-built seagliders combine an aircraft’s speed with a boat’s practicality and convenience. Built to serve island and coastal communities, the hybrid craft will carry people and cargo up to 290 km using sustainable battery technology.
“We are keen to enhance our capabilities to move packages efficiently and effectively over sea routes, given the expansion and development of coastal cities within our core region. [The electric seagliders] complete the trifecta of air, sea, and land for our future vehicle program development,” explained Angad Singh, global director for innovation at Aramex.
The Aramex and Regent partnership is facilitated through the UAE’s Strategic Development Fund and aims to explore opportunities in the Middle East and other important markets.
The two companies will identify potential “middle-mile” routes on which seagliders can move cargo from ports to nearby distribution hubs. The scheme aims to offer a cleaner and more efficient alternative to existing logistics options.
Demand for sustainable logistics is rising, with 75% of transport companies actively searching for environmentally friendly shipping options in a bid to lower carbon footprints and keep trade flowing.
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According to Billy Thalheimer, co-founder and chief executive of Regent, middle-mile logistics is a “large, untapped opportunity for sustainable innovation,” and the partnership will “unlock new economic potential”.
Last month, Aramex announced a massive 76% drop in third-quarter profits amid continued worldwide economic challenges, soaring interest rates, and currency fluctuations. Shares owned by equity holders for the three months to the end of September 2023 are now valued at around $2.6 million.
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Rabbit Expands Hyperlocal Delivery Service In Saudi Arabia
The e-commerce startup is aiming to tap into the Kingdom’s underdeveloped e-grocery sector with a tech-first, locally rooted strategy.
Rabbit, an Egyptian-born hyperlocal e-commerce startup, is expanding into the Saudi Arabian market, setting its sights on delivering 20 million items across major cities by 2026.
The company, founded in 2021, is already operational in the Kingdom, with its regional headquarters now open in Riyadh and an established network of strategically located fulfillment centers — commonly known as “dark stores” — across the capital.
The timing is strategic: Saudi Arabia’s online grocery transactions currently sit at 1.3%, notably behind the UAE (5.3%) and the United States (4.8%). With the Kingdom’s food and grocery market estimated at $60 billion, even a modest increase in online adoption could create a multi-billion-dollar opportunity.
Rabbit also sees a clear alignment between its business goals and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to boost retail sector innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises, attract foreign investment, and develop a robust digital economy.
The company’s e-commerce model is based on speed and efficiency. Delivery of anything from groceries and snacks to cosmetics and household staples is promised in 20 minutes or less, facilitated by a tightly optimized logistics system — a crucial component in a sector where profit margins and delivery expectations are razor-thin.
Despite the challenges, Rabbit has already found its stride in Egypt. In just over three years, the app has been used by 1.4 million customers to deliver more than 40 million items. Revenue has surged, growing more than eightfold in the past two years alone.
Also Read: Top E-Commerce Websites In The Middle East In 2025
CEO and Co-Founder Ahmad Yousry commented: “We are delighted to announce Rabbit’s expansion into the Kingdom. We pride ourselves on being a hyperlocal company, bringing our bleeding-edge tech and experience to transform the grocery shopping experience for Saudi households, and delivering the best products – especially local favorites, in just 20 minutes”.
The company’s growth strategy avoids the pitfalls of over-reliance on aggressive discounting. Instead, Rabbit leans on operational efficiency, customer retention, and smart scaling. The approach is paying off, having already attracted major investment from the likes of Lorax Capital Partners, Global Ventures, Raed Ventures, and Beltone Venture Capital, alongside earlier investors such as Global Founders Capital, Goodwater Capital, and Hub71.
Rabbit Expands Hyperlocal Delivery Service In Saudi Arabia
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