Flying cars could soon be tested in the deserts of Ras Al Khaimah, under a new agreement between the emirate and Chinese aircraft manufacturer Aridge.

The partnership also includes plans for a demonstration flight route connecting Ras Al Khaimah with Abu Dhabi, as authorities explore the potential of low-altitude air transport between the UAE’s emirates.

Signed on Friday under the oversight of the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, the agreement will establish a regulatory sandbox in Ras Al Khaimah. Such sandboxes allow new technologies to be tested in controlled conditions while regulators develop safety requirements and operating procedures.

The trials will be conducted through the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), with Aridge expected to assess its aircraft in desert environments and across a range of operational scenarios.

The programme will also examine how flying-car services could be integrated into existing transport systems, including flight planning, airspace coordination, ground operations, passenger handling and emergency procedures.

A possible Abu Dhabi–Ras Al Khaimah route

The proposed demonstration route between Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah is intended to explore what would be required for future inter-emirate air mobility services.

The two emirates are currently around a 90-minute drive apart. However, the planned flight would initially be a demonstration rather than a commercial passenger service. Any future operation would depend on the outcome of testing, regulatory approval and the development of supporting infrastructure.

Aridge’s involvement follows a demonstration of its modular flying car, known as the Land Aircraft Carrier, at a reception held at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. The event was hosted by the Chinese Embassy and attended by Chinese Ambassador Zeng Jixin, along with UAE government officials and business representatives.

The company has described the agreement as a significant step in its regional expansion. It is also being presented as the first entry by a Chinese flying-car company into a national-level regulatory sandbox in the Middle East.

Ras Al Khaimah’s Ruler, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, said the partnership reflected the emirate’s efforts to use technology to support economic development and improve quality of life.

For now, the project remains focused on testing. But if the trials progress, the initiative could offer an early look at how flying cars might become part of the UAE’s future transport network.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will host its first Formula 1 Sprint race in 2027, adding a new competitive element to the season finale at Yas Marina Circuit.

The announcement by organisers Ethara Live follows confirmation of the 2027 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar, which includes 24 Grands Prix across 22 countries and 10 Sprint events.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is scheduled to take place from 9 to 12 December 2027, with Yas Marina Circuit set to host the final round of the season.

The Sprint will be held on Saturday over a distance of 100km. Unlike a traditional Grand Prix, it will not require a mandatory pit stop, and the winner will receive eight championship points.

Abu Dhabi is one of five venues selected to host a Sprint for the first time in 2027, alongside Bahrain, Australia, Japan and Monaco. Sprint events will also return to Montréal, Silverstone, Monza, São Paulo and Lusail.

The expanded Sprint programme will bring the number of Sprint events in the season to 10, up from six. Formula 1 and the FIA said the increase reflects continued demand for the format.

The 2027 season will begin with pre-season testing in Bahrain from 24 to 27 February, followed by the opening race in the country and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The championship will then travel to Australia, Japan, China, Miami and Canada.

Portugal is set to return to the calendar in June, while Türkiye will make its comeback in October, with its race scheduled between Azerbaijan and Singapore. The season will conclude with rounds in Austin, Mexico City, São Paulo, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, said the calendar reflected Formula 1’s global appeal and continued growth, while combining established venues with returning destinations and an expanded Sprint programme.

The Abu Dhabi Sprint will give fans at Yas Marina an additional opportunity to see championship points contested before the season concludes on Sunday.

Tributes have poured in after the son of former Chelsea star Eddie Newton was found dead alongside his friend following a hike in the UAE, where temperatures soared to 50C.

Cassius Newton, 34, and his friend Aran Martinson, 33, were found by rescuers on July 18 after setting out on a hike in the mountainous Wadi Naqab region.

The pair, from Dorset and Essex respectively, both lived and worked in the UAE. Their bodies were discovered between 3km and 4km from their vehicle.

According to a report, Chelmsford area coroner Michelle Brown said their provisional causes of death included cardiac and respiratory arrest.

Cassius, a non-league footballer, was the son of former Chelsea midfielder and coach Eddie Newton, who spent more than a decade with the club.

His wife was in the UK when she became concerned after Cassius failed to contact her following the hike and reported him missing.

The two men had been living at a luxury resort in Ras Al Khaimah.

Tributes after desert tragedy

Tributes poured in after the deaths.

Aran’s wife described him as “incredibly driven, hardworking and ambitious”, saying he had recently begun a new chapter in his career and was excited about the future.

Blackfield & Langley Football Club paid tribute to their former player, saying: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of former player Cassius Newton; our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

National League club Eastleigh, where Cassius had previously played, said it was “deeply saddened” by his death.

Chelsea connection

Cassius’ father Eddie Newton played for Chelsea from 1990 to 2001 and famously scored in the club’s 1997 FA Cup final victory.

The former midfielder also represented Cardiff City, Birmingham City, Oxford United and Barnet.

After retiring as a player, Newton moved into coaching, working as assistant manager at MK Dons and West Brom before returning to Chelsea.

He later served as assistant manager under Roberto Di Matteo and Rafael Benítez.

(With inputs from BBC, The Sun)