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.
Ajman has announced the establishment of a new Rental Dispute Resolution Centre, aimed at streamlining landlord-tenant disputes and strengthening stability in the emirate’s real estate sector.
His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has issued Law No. (1) of 2026, formally creating the centre and replacing the existing rental disputes committee.
Clearer, Faster Rental Dispute Resolution
The new law introduces transparent and clearly defined mechanisms for reviewing and adjudicating rental disputes, with the objective of:
Protecting the rights of landlords and tenants
Enhancing confidence in Ajman’s property market
Supporting a stable and attractive investment environment
Jurisdiction and Scope
The specialised centre will have authority over all rental-related disputes between landlords and tenants, including:
Residential and commercial properties
Properties located within free zones
Cases will be handled using procedures aligned with recognised legal and judicial standards, ensuring fairness and consistency.
Boosting Market Stability
Officials said the new centre is designed to:
Speed up dispute resolution
Reduce litigation timelines
Ensure swift and effective justice
The move is expected to contribute to social and economic stability in Ajman’s leasing and real estate sector, while reinforcing investor confidence.
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) has announced new amendments to Abu Dhabi’s traffic diversion regulations, aimed at improving traffic flow, safety and compliance at construction and roadwork sites across the emirate.
The updated framework strengthens oversight of traffic permits, enhances enforcement powers and introduces clearer procedures for emergency works.
Key Changes to Traffic Diversion Rules
Under the revised regulations:
Definitions related to traffic permits and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) have been updated to improve clarity
Traffic permits are non-transferable; any attempt to transfer a permit will render it invalid
Emergency works may proceed without prior permit approval, provided all road safety requirements are met
ITC must be notified before emergency work begins, and a formal permit application must be submitted within 24 hours if work exceeds 12 hours
Permit Suspension and Enforcement Powers
The amendments grant ITC expanded authority to:
Temporarily suspend issuing traffic permits based on site conditions or safety risks
Reject extension requests or cancel permits if requirements are not met
Take action against entities that exceed approved timelines or commit repeated administrative violations
The schedule of violations and fines has also been updated to reflect current standards, with conflicting older provisions officially repealed.
Training, Inspections and Compliance
ITC said the changes followed specialised workshops and training programmes for contractors, consultants and relevant stakeholders to ensure proper implementation of safety standards.
The Centre will continue inspection campaigns and field visits, with fines imposed on violators to:
Protect road users and workers
Maintain public safety
Safeguard road infrastructure
Changes to Abu Dhabi’s Darb Road Toll System
Separately, ITC (Abu Dhabi Mobility) confirmed updates to the Darb road toll system.
New Darb Toll Timings
Morning peak: 7am to 9am (unchanged)
Evening peak: 3pm to 7pm
Toll-free: Sundays and official public holidays
The Dh4 toll per gate crossing remains unchanged.
Removal of Toll Caps
The revised system removes:
Daily toll cap of Dh16
Monthly caps of Dh200, Dh150 and Dh100 for first, second and additional vehicles
Exemptions Remain
Existing exemptions continue for eligible groups, including:
People of Determination
Low-income families
Senior citizens and retirees
The Darb system is operated by Q Mobility, a subsidiary of ADQ, in coordination with relevant authorities.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, has approved the launch of Dubai+, a new family-oriented digital media platform, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for digital media and the creative economy.
The approval came as Sheikh Ahmed chaired the Dubai Media Council’s first meeting of 2026 at Dubai Media, where members reviewed sector strategies and plans to strengthen content creation, innovation and local production capabilities.
What is Dubai+?
Dubai+ will offer a wide range of family-friendly content, bringing together:
Local and Emirati productions
Arab series and films
International entertainment
The platform reflects Dubai Media’s integrated digital ecosystem strategy, responding to shifting viewer habits and the growing demand for high-quality, on-demand digital content.
“We believe media is a strategic force that shapes awareness, supports development and builds trust,” Sheikh Ahmed said.
Boosting Local Film and Content Production
The Council also reviewed plans to:
Enhance local production capabilities
Support cinema as a cultural and creative industry
Invest in programmes that drive creative and economic growth
Samr Al Marzooqi, Director of Films and Production at the Dubai Media Council, outlined upcoming initiatives aimed at showcasing Emirati and international talent while strengthening Dubai’s film sector.
Next Phase of Growth
Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, said the next phase will focus on monitoring implementation and ensuring measurable outcomes across the sector.
Secretary General Nehal Badri added that priorities include encouraging private sector participation, accelerating content development, and investing in talent, advanced production technologies and future-ready capabilities.