“Abu Dhabi-based Monarch Aircraft Manufacturing partners with Chinese Ehang Holding to establish the first factory in the Middle East and Africa to produce sustainable electric-powered aircraft and drones”

The Emirati company, “Monarch Aircraft Manufacturing”, which is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, and the Chinese “Ehang Holding”, a pioneer in self-driving aerial vehicle technologies, which is listed on Nasdaq, have concluded a partnership agreement to establish the first factory in the Middle East and Africa to produce aircraft and drones. It operates with sustainable electric energy to transport passengers and goods in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The signing of the partnership comes in line with Abu Dhabi’s industrial strategy initiatives, including the innovative technologies of the fourth industrial revolution, legislative frameworks for the circular economy, and green economy policies and incentives in light of the shift towards a smart, circular and sustainable economy.

The cooperation between the Emirati “Monarch Aircraft Manufacturing” company and the Chinese “Ehang Holding” aims to manufacture electric-powered aircraft and drones, establish a control center to manage air paths using autonomous technology, and establish infrastructure, take-off and landing platforms, and facilities for operating aircraft flights and sustainable paths, with Providing opportunities to qualify and train Emirati competencies to work in manufacturing. The project also contributes to revitalizing markets and supporting the local product by facilitating the flow of goods and merchandise to sales outlets, ports and airports, which enhances the smoothness of foreign trade.

The project contributes to the establishment of an advanced infrastructure for take-off and landing platforms and an advanced flight management system that enjoys the techniques of using commercial drones powered by sustainable electric power using self-control technology and artificial intelligence, through cooperation and partnership with many local entities in the emirate to enable Abu Dhabi to host urban aviation technologies. In the near future. The project consolidates Abu Dhabi’s position at the forefront of smart cities in the Middle East and Africa region, as it focuses on improving the components of smart and sustainable mobility.

His Excellency Rashid Abdul Karim Al Balushi, Undersecretary of the Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi, said: “As part of its efforts to promote the transition to the next stage of economic diversification, Abu Dhabi focuses on supporting sectors that rely on knowledge and innovation, and our industrial strategy is a fundamental pillar in achieving our goals, as its programs focus on adopting curricula and applications The fourth industrial revolution, the circular economy, the development of competencies and skills, the development of the industrial sector system, the strengthening of the local supply chain, and the development of the value chain.

His Excellency added: “This partnership to manufacture and manage electric-powered aircraft and drones to transport passengers and goods reflects the development of the infrastructure for advanced and smart industries and the legislative and regulatory frameworks in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which provide an attractive environment for innovations and investments in advanced industries and technological transformation. The Department of Economic Development is keen to create the appropriate conditions for investors and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the wide growth opportunities offered by the emirate’s economy, as it launched many initiatives to facilitate trade and business, support financing, and attract foreign direct investment.

For his part, Hussain Ali Al-Ameera, founder and chairman of the Monarch Aircraft Manufacturing Company, said after signing the agreement with Yang Ning, member of the board of directors of the Chinese Ehang Holding Company: “The project contributes to achieving a quantum leap for the future of transportation in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in line with the government’s vision. The future aims to strengthen the foundations of the smart city, as it reflects a new concept for the future of transporting passengers and goods, using advanced technology and supported by sustainable energy sources free of carbon emissions and through the use of drones and artificial intelligence technologies.

He stressed Monarch’s keenness to establish partnerships with the world’s best manufacturer of electric aircraft and a design and consulting company for the urban air mobility sector (UAM), which develops and operates the most advanced urban aviation systems in the world.