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.

Meta has launched Meta One, a subscription service bringing premium features across Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and Meta AI, with plans in the UAE starting at Dh22.99 a month.

The service is part of the technology company’s wider push into paid products, combining enhanced artificial intelligence tools, creative features and professional services for creators and businesses.

Meta said the core versions of its apps and Meta AI would remain free, while subscribers would receive higher usage limits and access to additional features.

The company said Meta One launches with more than 50 features. It follows the introduction of individual subscriptions for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, which Meta said have attracted more than 15 million subscriptions and trials.

More AI tools and creative features

Meta One’s individual plans, Core and Premium, offer greater access to AI-powered image generation, video creation using Meta’s Muse models, image editing, Instagram’s Restyle tools and voice effects.

Meta said its AI assistant would continue to be available for everyday use without a subscription. The paid plans are aimed at users who want more intensive access to AI-powered creative tools.

Early testing found that more than half of bundle subscribers used both AI and creative-expression features, according to Meta. Instagram Restyle and voice effects were among the features most frequently cited as reasons for subscribing.

The new bundles also include features available through the company’s individual app subscriptions.

Instagram Plus has added custom fonts for direct messages and Stories, notifications for specific Story viewers and DM previews. Facebook Plus includes Messenger customisation, expanded Reels insights and super reactions across Reels and Feed posts.

WhatsApp Plus is expected to test chat and media backup storage, as well as Focus Schedules, which allow users to mute or hide chats at set times.

Business and creator plans

Meta One also includes subscription tiers aimed at creators and businesses, offering professional profile tools, AI-powered customer engagement and expanded analytics.

Business subscribers can access enhanced profiles displaying details such as websites, locations and customer reviews. Other features include a prominent follow button on Reels and automated follow invitations for users who interact with content.

Businesses will also receive expanded access to Meta Business Agent, Meta’s AI-powered tool for handling customer queries around the clock on WhatsApp.

Higher-tier plans add features such as Story scheduling, exportable analytics, deeper audience insights, collaborative account management and expanded business messaging capabilities.

Meta said it plans to introduce further benefits over time, including Edits Plus, which is expected to offer additional cloud storage for syncing projects across devices and greater access to an upcoming assistant that can analyse Instagram insights and generate content ideas.

The company also plans to extend Meta One benefits to other products, including its Edits video-editing app and AI-powered smart glasses.

Meta One UAE pricing

Meta said Meta One plans are available globally, although features, pricing and availability may vary by region, app and account.

The UAE pricing announced for the service is:

Individual app subscriptions

• Instagram Plus: Dh7.99 a month
• WhatsApp Plus: Dh5.99 a month
• Facebook Plus: Dh7.99 a month

Meta One individual bundles

• Core: Dh22.99 a month
• Premium: Dh76.99 a month

Creator and business bundles

• Essential: From Dh46.99 a month
• Advanced: From Dh119 a month
• Expert: From Dh359 a month
• Max: Up to Dh1,199 a month

The company said the subscription options are designed to give users more choice, while keeping its main social media services accessible without payment.

Travellers can now apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) at Dubai International Airport and receive it in as little as five minutes, authorities have announced.

The service, launched by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Emirates Automobile and Touring Club and the Emirates Businessmen Services Center “Amer”, is available around the clock.

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It operates from the Customer Happiness Centre in the Terminal 3 arrivals building. The service is open to UAE citizens and residents.

Applicants must provide an Emirates ID, a valid UAE driving licence, a copy of their passport and a personal photograph.

According to GDRFA Dubai, integrated digital systems connecting the participating entities allow applications to be verified and approved instantly, with the permit issued in no more than five minutes.

Major General Khalaf Ahmed Al Ghaith, Assistant Director-General for Entry Permits and Residency at GDRFA Dubai, said the initiative was part of efforts to develop smart and proactive government services.

“The customer journey is an integral part of the smart travel ecosystem through proactive services delivered at the right place and time,” he said.

Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of the Licensing Agency at RTA, said the service demonstrated cooperation between government and strategic partners while providing an instant service at one of Dubai’s busiest locations.

He also confirmed that the service was available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The initiative forms part of Dubai’s wider digital-government strategy, which aims to simplify administrative procedures, improve service efficiency and provide more seamless experiences for residents, citizens and travellers.