Cruise ship tourists to take flight with Abu Dhabi's new autonomous drone taxis

   November 6, 2024 ,   Cruise Industry

Abu Dhabi (UAE) is setting a new precedent in cruise tourism by introducing autonomous drone taxis for cruise passengers.

In an innovative partnership, AD Ports Group and Advanced Mobility Hub (AMH) have joined forces to launch the UAE’s first vertiport trial for self-driving aerial taxis at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal.

The service will offer passengers a unique vantage of the city’s landmarks, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, enhancing their travel experience with elevated views of these iconic sites.

Sustainably designed, these fully electric drones will carry between two to five passengers, embodying Abu Dhabi’s commitment to eco-friendly and smart tourism solutions. Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, CEO of Cruise Business at AD Ports Group, has highlighted the project’s potential to establish Abu Dhabi as a pioneering hub for sustainable tourism.

Mohamed Salah, CEO of Multi Level Group, added that the initiative will support a smart, sustainable transportation network aimed at enriching the cruise experience and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry by offering aerial tours of the emirate’s attractions, ultimately increasing tourist stays and engagement in low-impact activities.

Beyond passenger flights, Abu Dhabi envisions expanding the use of these drones for logistics and broader tourist transport across the UAE, potentially shaping a new era in mobility and tourism within the region.