Abu Dhabi has maintained its dedication to shaping the future of smart and sustainable mobility by fostering global partnerships and initiating programs to explore and advance smart and autonomous sustainable mobility solutions across land, air, and sea transportation sectors.

The inaugural Abu Dhabi Mobility Week, held from April 24th to May 1st, 2024, saw the Middle East’s first passenger-carrying drone trials. This milestone aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a global leader in smart mobility solutions.

Multi Level Group (MLG), a prominent UAE company specializing in automation and digital transformation, collaborated with Abu Dhabi Mobility to exhibit its drone technology. 

The highlight of the event was the completion of two test flights. A five-seater drone, capable of traveling over 25 kilometers with a payload of up to 350 kilograms, achieved a record-setting 40-minute flight, covering 123 kilometers—the longest ever recorded for a drone. A smaller, two-seater drone demonstrated its capabilities with a 20-minute flight at a range of 35 kilometers.

These trials mark a significant step forward for Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industries (SAVI) cluster at Masdar City. The event, held at the Advanced Mobility Hub in collaboration with Emirates Falcons Aviation, showcased MLG’s diverse Autonomous Aerial Vehicles (AAVs), including passenger eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles) and surveillance drones.

Attendees, including dignitaries, government officials, and industry leaders, witnessed firsthand the transformative potential of MLG’s solutions for revolutionizing passenger and cargo transportation across cities and beyond.

Mohamed Hamad Al Dhaheri, a Board Member of MLG, made history by becoming the first person in the Middle East to board a passenger eVTOL for a demonstration flight.

“Being part of this historic moment is truly exhilarating,” Al Dhaheri remarked. “The seamless integration of technology and aviation represents a significant leap forward for our nation, and as an Emirati, I am proud to be a part of it.”