A new border crossing has opened between the UAE and Oman, as announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). Operations at the Wam border crossing located in Fujairah commenced on February 26, 2025, representing a significant move to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili stated, "The start of operations at the Wam border crossing is an important strategic step in the process of strengthening cooperation between the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman." This new entry point will facilitate travel and commerce, easing both trade and passenger traffic between the two nations.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi is also setting the stage to become a regional hub for advanced maritime and aerospace solutions through new infrastructure developments. The Strategic Development Fund (SDF) has partnered with REGENT Craft to form a joint venture aimed at manufacturing and maintaining electric seagliders. This agreement aligns with SDF’s strategy to invest significantly in the sector of advanced mobility solutions, thereby supporting the UAE's wider goals of cultivating a sustainable industrial ecosystem. Following initial negotiations commencing in 2023, this latest agreement cements SDF’s commitment to driving innovation within the region.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, emphasised the strategic importance of the agreement, saying, "SDF’s investment in REGENT Craft aligns with our commitment to focus on establishing strategic partnerships with key players in various industries to develop future-forward technologies." Underlined by their focus on technological advancements, these investments are poised to significantly contribute to the growth of the UAE’s industrial sectors.
Abdulla Al Jaabari, Managing Director and CEO of SDF, added, "We strongly believe in REGENT Craft’s vision and groundbreaking technology." He signified the importance of this venture as part of SDF’s hybrid investment approach, which seeks to combine investments in innovative startups with influential partnerships as they contribute to transformative technologies within the UAE.
At the recent World Government Summit 2025 held in Dubai, Billy Thalheimer, Co-Founder and CEO of REGENT, outlined the company’s plans for establishing a cutting-edge seaglider manufacturing plant in Abu Dhabi. "We are honoured to deepen our collaboration with SDF and make Abu Dhabi and the UAE a centre for seaglider manufacturing," he stated. Thalheimer underlined the partnership’s potential to usher in transformative transportation technology, emphasizing Abu Dhabi’s pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable mobility.
The partnership is also set to make significant economic and industrial impacts. Seagliders, which are all-electric, high-speed vessels, are expected to revolutionize local transport for passenger travel, cargo transport, offshore logistics, as well as defence operations and emergency responses. According to projections, the establishment of seaglider manufacturing capabilities will contribute significantly to the UAE’s GDP over the coming decade, spurring local supply chain growth, creating high-value jobs, and attracting increased domestic tourism.
REGENT anticipates having the seagliders operational by 2027 and aims to collaborate with various key stakeholders to incorporate this innovative technology throughout the country's transportation networks. This will entail working with the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transportation (DOT) and Abu Dhabi Maritime to explore the feasibility of integrating electric seagliders as a transportation mode. Partnerships also extend to courier and logistics firms, including Aramex, evaluating the potential use of seagliders within middle-mile logistics.
To advance the regulatory and certification framework for seaglider operations in the UAE, REGENT is collaborating with the maritime classification society, Lloyd’s Register, along with the UAE Marine Transport Affairs Department to set the necessary standards and protocols.
These advancements within the UAE significantly highlight the nation’s ambitions to lead not just regionally but also on the global stage for technological and infrastructural development. By focusing on strengthening connections with Oman and enhancing mobility solutions through innovative technologies, the UAE is paving the way forward for future connectivity and sustainability.