UAE frames plans for electric aircraft industry
A latest agreement positions Abu Dhabi as a testing and certification centre for electric aircraft
ATT Desk Report 
The UAE is strengthening its drive to become a global hub for advanced air mobility after a series of new agreements expected at supporting the design, testing, certification and manufacturing of electric aircraft, reports Gulf News.
The latest move comes through a cooperation agreement signed under the patronage of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council between the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Abu Dhabi Mobility, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). The partnership aims to develop advanced air mobility technologies, including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The agreement is expected to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position, particularly Al Ain, as a centre for aircraft testing, certification and regulatory development, while attracting international companies and talent to the sector.
The UAE is seeking to move beyond operating electric aircraft and establish a complete industry covering design, manufacturing and exports.
Although no dedicated budget has been announced for the programme, it is backed by major national industrial initiatives. Abu Dhabi is targeting industrial investments worth Dh369.3 billion under the ‘Made in Abu Dhabi’ strategy, with a strong focus on advanced industries such as aerospace, robotics and smart technologies.
The initiative will also help develop engineering centres, aircraft production facilities, research laboratories, testing centres, dedicated air corridors and future vertiports.
