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SeaBubbles, Al Masaood Power to manufacture flying boats in UAE
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.
The UAE’s long-awaited passenger rail network has taken another major step forward after Etihad Rail confirmed the completion of its first passenger station in Fujairah ahead of operations launching later this year.
Located in the Madinat Al Hilal area, the new station spans more than 51,900 square metres and is expected to become a key transport hub linking Fujairah with Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
A new way to travel across the UAE
Officials say the launch of passenger rail services could significantly reshape travel between emirates, offering faster and more comfortable journeys while reducing pressure on roads.
Travel at 200km/h
- Travel time between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi will take around 105 minutes
- Trains will reach speeds of up to 200km/h
- Each train will accommodate up to 400 passengers
The first operational phase is expected to launch simultaneously across routes connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah.
Strategically located near key landmarks
The new station sits close to several major destinations in Fujairah, including:
- Fujairah International Airport — approximately 12 minutes away
- Umbrella Beach Corniche — around six minutes away
- Sakamkam Fort — roughly five minutes away
Officials believe the railway connection will help boost tourism, investment and economic activity across the emirate.
VIP lounges, Wi-Fi and dining onboard
The passenger experience is also expected to feel far more modern than traditional regional rail travel.
Station and trains will include:
- Retail areas
- VIP lounges
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Dining carriages
- Automated payment machines
- Passenger service offices
- Modern waiting areas and digital signage
Built with strong local contribution
Etihad Rail also revealed that around 70 per cent of materials used across the national railway network were sourced locally through 97 UAE suppliers, highlighting the project’s broader economic impact.
While official schedules and ticketing details are still expected to be announced closer to the launch date, the completion of Fujairah Passenger Station is a major step towards rail travel in the UAE.
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First look at Etihad Rail’s first passenger station with VIP lounges and high-speed Wi-Fi
