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SeaBubbles, Al Masaood Power to manufacture flying boats in UAE

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4 years ago

March 14, 2022

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It may look like a futuristic prop from a sci-fi movie, but visitors to Dubai International Boat Show 2022 need not adjust their sets – the UAE’s first flying boat is a reality and could soon be manufactured locally, courtesy a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed at the region’s largest and most-popular leisure marine event.

Inspired by the Emirates’ pearl-diving heritage, the sustainability-focused X-Pearl – a brainchild of innovative French firm SeaBubbles – is powered by a hybrid hydrogen-electric propulsion system and retractable foils, and available for purchase. While scaled models of both its flagship H2 and the X-Pearl were unveiled on Wednesday at Dubai Harbour, the company hopes to have the limited-edition UAE model zipping along Dubai Creek, Dubai Canal, or Abu Dhabi Corniche before next year’s COP28.

That vision moved one step closer at the 28th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show as SeaBubbles capitalised on the nautical showpiece to ink an MoU with local solutions provider Al Masaood Power Division. The agreement will see both parties collaborating to pilot and assess the performance of hydrogen-powered flying boats, manufacture and maintain operations in the Emirates, and retrofit existing boats with SeaBubbles’ sustainable powertrain system.

“The Dubai International Boat Show is iconic, so it felt like the perfect opportunity to reveal the X-Pearl to an international audience and showcase that we are moving towards this ecological transition together with Al Masaood,” said Virginie Seurat, Vice President of SeaBubbles. “The MoU agreement marks another step forward in terms of driving hydrogen mobility in the UAE. With COP28 coming to the Emirates next year, we are very excited to strengthen our local ties.”

SeaBubbles’ crafts can carry up to 12 passengers and a pilot, making them ideal for a range of water mobility solutions: electric passenger vessel, zero-emission water taxi, VIP shuttle, or even for inter-city transfers. By producing minimal wake and water disturbance, it also provides a solution for eco-tourism sightseeing tours in protected areas such as the Eastern Mangroves wetland reserves.

“This is the return of the Dubai International Boat Show after two years, so while the show starts a new cycle, we also start something new and exciting with this partnership with SeaBubbles,” said Rasso Bartenschlager, General Manager of Al Masaood Power Division. “The X-Pearl, by emitting only water, demonstrates our commitment to sustainable solutions and we are honoured to sign this ground-breaking partnership that will help drive green mobility for future generations.”

SeaBubbles’ innovative tech promises a more ecological future courtesy of its hydrogen fuel cells, which generate the electricity supply for the internal systems and propulsion pods, while a battery pack supports it during flight. This hybrid concept ensures 100 per cent reliance on renewable energy sources, while its foils reduce wetted surface area and thus power usage, leading to a craft 35 per cent more power-efficient than a regular boat. Both the H2 and the X-Pearl can reach speeds of up to 50kph.

Dubai International Boat Show 2022 runs until March 13 at Dubai Harbour, the event’s Venue Host and VIP Registration Partner.

Related Topics:Dubai DubaiInternationalBoatShow2022 harbour SeaBubbles

Staff Reporter

India

Indian passport fees increase in UAE: Here’s the new price list

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4 hours ago

July 2, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Indian nationals in the UAE will have to pay more for passport and related consular services from July 1, following a revision in fees announced by the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

The new charges apply to passport applications submitted through the embassy, consulate and the new Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the UAE.

Why are the fees increasing?

The revised charges follow updated passport rules introduced by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on June 20. The new fee structure applies to Indian passport services worldwide, including in the UAE.

What are the new passport fees?

The revised fees are as follows:

36-page passport (new or renewal): Dh450
60-page passport (new or renewal): Dh630
36-page Tatkal passport: Dh900
60-page Tatkal passport: Dh1,080
Replacement of a lost or damaged 36-page passport: Dh900
Tatkal replacement of a lost or damaged 36-page passport: Dh1,350
Replacement of a lost or damaged 60-page passport: Dh1,080
Tatkal replacement of a lost or damaged 60-page passport: Dh1,530

Who will be affected?

The revised fees apply to all eligible passport applications submitted from July 1, including:

New passport applications.
Passport renewals.
Tatkal (urgent) applications.
Replacement of lost or damaged passports.

What should applicants do?

If you’re planning to apply for or renew your Indian passport in the UAE, check the revised fees before booking your appointment.

The updated charges will apply at:

Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi.
Consulate General of India, Dubai.
Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the UAE.

With around 4.5 million Indians living in the UAE, the revised fee structure will affect one of the country’s largest overseas communities.

News

How DP World ILT20 helped UAE pacer Khuzaima Tanveer reach international cricket

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9 hours ago

July 2, 2026

Michael Gomes

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UAE fast bowler Khuzaima Tanveer has credited the DP World ILT20 with accelerating his rise to international cricket, saying the league gave him the confidence and experience needed to represent the UAE on the global stage.

The 26-year-old, who made his international debut earlier this year, believes competing alongside some of the world’s top cricketers helped prepare him for the demands of international cricket.

“Representing the UAE was a proud moment for me and it’s something every young cricketer dreams about. The DP World ILT20 helped prepare me because you’re constantly competing against high-quality players. It gives you confidence that you belong on the international stage,” he said.

Breakthrough performances

Khuzaima announced himself during DP World ILT20 Season 3 with impressive figures of 4/22 against Sharjah Warriorz.

Since joining the Desert Vipers, he has claimed 24 wickets in 18 matches across two seasons. During the Vipers’ title-winning campaign, he finished with 17 wickets, making him the second-highest UAE wicket-taker in the tournament and third overall. He was also shortlisted for the Blue Belt, awarded to the competition’s best UAE player.

Learning from the world’s best

Khuzaima said one of the league’s biggest advantages is the opportunity to learn from elite players and coaches.

“A lot of the learning happens during training sessions, team meetings and conversations. I was fortunate to share the dressing room with Sam Curran, Naseem Shah and Lockie Ferguson. Even small pieces of advice from players like them help you become a better cricketer.”

He also described interacting with legendary fast bowlers Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram as one of the highlights of his career.

Inspired, not compared

While fans have compared his bowling action to Pakistan legend Waqar Younis, Khuzaima insists he is focused on building his own identity.

“Waqar Younis is a legend of the game. If people see similarities, I take it as a compliment, but my focus is on becoming the best version of myself.”

Eyes on future

Now a UAE international, Khuzaima says wearing the national jersey comes with greater responsibility.

“Once you represent the UAE, people expect more from you and you expect more from yourself. My aim is to keep improving, perform consistently and contribute whenever I get the opportunity.”

He also praised UAE captain Muhammad Waseem for setting an example for local players, saying his performances in the DP World ILT20 have shown that Emirati cricketers can compete with the world’s best.

Looking ahead to DP World ILT20 Season 5, Khuzaima hopes to continue developing his game and make the most of every opportunity.

“Every season brings new challenges and new opportunities to learn. My goal is to keep improving, contribute to my team and continue making the most of the opportunities the DP World ILT20 provides.”

News

Dubai churches fully reopen from July 1: What worshippers need to know

Published

1 day ago

July 1, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Two of Dubai’s largest Catholic churches have resumed full operations, ending temporary restrictions introduced in April and allowing parishioners to return to normal church activities.

Here’s what has changed.

Which churches have reopened?

The following churches are now fully open from July 1:

St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Oud Metha
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Jebel Ali

Both churches confirmed they are resuming all parish activities following the latest directives from the authorities.

What restrictions have been lifted?

Parishioners can now:

Attend all Masses and services.
Participate in parish activities and community events.
Return to regular church life without the temporary attendance restrictions.

Why were restrictions introduced?

The measures, announced in April, were aimed at preventing overcrowding and included:

Suspension of outdoor church activities.
Weekend Masses limited to adults aged 18 and above.
Mandatory online registration.
No entry for children or unregistered visitors.
Livestreamed Masses for those unable to attend.

Are any guidelines still in place?

Yes. While churches have fully reopened, worshippers are encouraged to continue following any applicable guidelines and to be respectful and considerate of others during services.

What does this mean for parishioners?

The reopening restores normal parish life, allowing families and worshippers to once again take part in religious services, community events and other church activities without the temporary restrictions.