DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has granted a special flight permit to “Land Aircraft Carrier,” a fully electric flying car developed by Chinese company XPENG AEROHT. This permit allows the vehicle to conduct test flights in Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the UAE, marking a significant step in advancing smart and low-carbon transport solutions in the region. Chinese media outlet Xinhua News reported that the certification ceremony was attended by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and member of the UAE Supreme Council, Zhang Yiming, Chinese ambassador to the UAE, and other senior officials. The involvement of both UAE and Chinese leadership reflects the growing collaboration between the two countries in next-generation transport technologies.
The special flight permit has been issued to Zhao Deli, founder of XPENG AEROHT, who highlighted that the UAE’s supportive innovation ecosystem offers an ideal environment for testing and refining electric flying car technology. At the same event, the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority signed a strategic agreement with XPENG AEROHT to collaborate on flight testing certifications, explore practical applications of the technology, and promote its use in various sectors. These include government transport, tourism, and emergency services, demonstrating the UAE’s vision of integrating smart mobility solutions into multiple aspects of public life.
Esmaeel Al Blooshi, Director General of the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority, emphasized that adopting Chinese-developed flying car technology enhances the UAE’s position in global smart mobility and low-carbon transportation. He said the partnership with XPENG AEROHT underlines Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to fostering innovation and setting an example for the wider Middle East region. The UAE’s proactive stance toward embracing new forms of transport has already made it a hub for pilot projects and international firms specializing in aviation and smart mobility.
The showcased “Land Aircraft Carrier” is a fully electric flying vehicle designed with both safety and sustainability in mind. It features a large intelligent display and a single-stick control system that can operate in manual and automatic modes, supported by an advanced control system to ensure secure operation. Its quiet, eco-friendly design makes it particularly suitable for urban environments, addressing challenges such as congestion and emissions. The UAE has been actively promoting low-altitude economic development and has introduced policies aimed at attracting global companies in smart transportation. By supporting technologies like XPENG AEROHT’s electric flying car, the country is advancing its vision for sustainable, technologically advanced urban mobility.
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