Abu Dhabi: Monarch Holding, a company based in Abu Dhabi, has signed a partnership agreement with EHang Holdings, a leading Chinese autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) technology platform company. The partnership aims to establish the first-ever facility in the Middle East and North Africa region to manufacture and operate sustainable, electric-powered aircraft and drones for passenger and cargo transportation in Abu Dhabi.
The initiative is aligned with the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy’s Industry 4.0 and green policies, as well as new circular economy regulatory frameworks that aim to transition towards a smart, circular, and sustainable economy.
The main objective of the partnership is to manufacture sustainable electric aircraft and drones, establish a command-and-control center to manage the urban air mobility autonomously, and build infrastructure, vertiports, and facilities for operating electric aircraft and drones. The partnership will also provide opportunities to train local talent.
This partnership to manufacture and manage electric-powered aircraft and drones for cargo and passengers reflects the high level of our infrastructure for advanced and smart industries and developed legislative and regulatory frameworks in the emirate, which provides an attractive environment for innovations and investments in advanced industries and technological transformation. To ensure best conditions for investors and entrepreneurs, ADDED has launched many initiatives to enhance ease of doing business and trade, financing, and attract foreign direct investment.
Mr. Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of ADDED, shared.
Mr. Hussain Ali Alomaeirah, Founder and Chairman of Monarch Holding, commented that “this venture will support the future of the transportation sector in the emirate of Abu Dhabi in line with the government vision to enhance fundamentals of the smart city. It provides a new concept of cargo and passenger transportation, utilising advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and sustainable energy with zero carbon emissions.
The project further aims to revitalize markets and support local products by facilitating the flow of goods and merchandise to sales outlets, ports, and airports, enhancing trade. Through cooperation with local entities, the partnership will help establish an advanced infrastructure for vertiports and an autonomous flight management system operated by artificial intelligence, supporting sustainable and electric-powered commercial aircraft and drones.