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SeaBubbles, Al Masaood Power to manufacture flying boats in UAE
Published
2 years agoon
![](https://headline.ae/wp-content/uploads/sea-bubbles.jpg)
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.
News
Milestone Systems Brings Next-Gen Video Innovations to Dubai at XPerience Days 2024
Published
2 days agoon
September 5, 2024By
SudhashreeMilestone Systems is bringing its global flagship event, Milestone XPerience Days (MXD), back to the Middle East, highlighting the latest advancements in video technology. The event will be held on September 9-10, 2024, at Mina A’Salam Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, featuring innovations aimed at enhancing both physical and cyber security.
With 17 technology partners showcasing seamlessly integrated solutions powered by Milestone prodigies; the event is a curated opportunity for industry peers to connect over trends, innovations, and challenges. Resellers, distributors, architects & engineers (A&Es), and end customers are set to gain valuable insights from industry experts and thought leaders sharing perspectives on the future of video technology.
According to market research company Omdia, the global video management software (VMS) and Video-Surveillance-as-a-Service (VSaaS) market is expected to reach USD 4.5 billion by 2028, driven by increasing concerns over public security and the integration of AI and IoT in urban environments. Milestone Systems, a leader in this space, continues to push the boundaries of video technology with a focus on scalability, operational efficiency, and security.
“Our goal is to strengthen our partnerships with our resellers, distributors, and technology partners to provide state of the art video technology to our end users,” said Louise Bou Rached, Sales Director, MENAT, Milestone systems. “This event is about showcasing the wide range of possibilities with video management software, video analytics, and cloud solutions as well as demonstrating how Milestone’s expertise can enhance security and optimize operations.”
With dedicated R&D focussed on innovation, Milestone drives technological advancements to redefine perceptions of how possible with video technology. Its collaboration with industry tech leaders like Intel and Nvidia allows access to the latest AI developments, improving operational efficiency and security. The cloud-hosted Milestone prodigies have also been revamped for greater scalability to optimize allocations. All the products and technology partners will be present at the Milestone XPerience Days underscoring the commitment to leveraging video technology that drives efficiency and productivity across various industries.
Announcements
UAE sends 90 metric tons of urgent relief supplies to Sudan
Published
4 days agoon
September 3, 2024By
SudhashreeOn the directions of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Humanitarian (DXB-H) has facilitated urgent relief supplies to Chad’s capital, Ndjamena, to support over 70,000 Sudanese people, alleviating their suffering and safeguarding lives in the region.
In a swift response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, a Boeing 747 cargo flight departed from Al Maktoum International Airport on Saturday, August 31, at 9:00 am carrying 90 metric tonnes of essential medical supplies, shelter materials, and relief items provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). These critical resources are expected to support over 70,000 Sudanese people, alleviating their suffering and safeguarding lives in the region.
Announcements
Gaming meets speed: Ferrari launches first-ever esports arena in Abu Dhabi
Published
7 days agoon
September 1, 2024By
SudhashreeFerrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s acclaimed Ferrari-themed park, has once again redefined entertainment by launching the world’s first Ferrari-themed Esports Arena. This state-of-the-art venue is set to become the go-to destination for racing enthusiasts, Formula 1 aficionados, and thrill-seekers alike.
The newly unveiled Ferrari World Esports Arena features an impressive lineup of 20 Gran Turismo simulators, thoughtfully designed to cater to a broad audience. Fourteen simulators are dedicated to adult racers, while six are specifically designed for younger guests, creating a family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes visitors of all ages.
The arena also includes three specialised F1 simulators, offering participants the exhilarating experience of sitting in the driver’s seat of a Ferrari race car and racing on legendary F1 Grand Prix circuits, including the Yas Marina Circuit. Open daily from 10am to 6pm, the Ferrari World Esports Arena offers access to the Gran Turismo simulators as part of the theme park ticket until the end of the year. The exclusive F1 simulators are available for an additional fee, starting from Dh60 per race.