Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, visited XPENG AeroHT's manufacturing plant in China to take delivery of a Land Aircraft Carrier eVTOL. The split-body modular vehicle is destined for deployment in the UAE under an aviation sandbox. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority will evaluate inter-emirate flight routes and airworthiness standards for the aircraft.
Chinese flying-car manufacturer Aridge projects that commercial operations in the UAE could be feasible within 12 to 18 months. The rollout is planned to begin on a small scale before expanding over three to five years. The initiative follows an agreement signed in September to test and deploy vehicles in Ras Al Khaimah.
XPeng Founder and CEO He Xiaopeng announced that the first Aridge Land Aircraft Carrier flying car handed over to UAE partners will soon begin test flights in the country's regulatory pilot zone. The announcement followed a visit to the company's Guangzhou factory by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. While He did not specify a date, Aridge's finance chief previously indicated testing could start in early 2027.
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, visited XPENG AEROHT's mass-production plant in Guangzhou on October 20. Together with founder Zhao Deli, he unveiled and took delivery of the first 'Land Aircraft Carrier' (model X3-F) test unit for the UAE's low-altitude regulatory demonstration zone. The milestone advances a strategic cooperation agreement and regulatory sandbox initiative launched in September.
Policy updates, China–UAE business news and industry insights, delivered to your inbox.
Membership
Tell us about your experience and connection to UAE–China business. UECN assesses your application and offers the right membership category — fees are shared privately with your offer.
We send you a one-time sign-in link — your answers are saved as you go.
