GREEN MOBILITY-

EHang moves into Abu Dhabi’s SAVI cluster: Chinese eVtol outfit EHang has partnered with Wings Logistics Hub, the eVtol-focused subsidiary of UAE investor EIH Ethmar International, to roll out Ehang’s autonomous eVtol aircraft in the UAE, according to a statement. The partnership will see Ehang move into Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) Cluster and coordinate with Wing Logistics Hub to streamline certification and operations of its EH216 series eVTOLs in the UAE. Wing Logistics plans to purchase up to 100 EH216 units from Ehang with variants for aerial logistics, transport, and firefighting. Deliveries are set to commence in the 1Q 2024, the statement said.

Background: The SAVI cluster, located in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City, is a fully integrated hub which provides facilities, services, and regulatory support to enable the design, testing and manufacturing of applications for transportation and mobility on air, sea, and land with applications to logistics and other sectors. Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) launched the cluster in mid-October, with the hub attracting 30 international firms just a few days after it kicked off.

AVIATION-

Australia gives Turkish Airlines the thumbs up: Australia’s Transport Ministry has greenlit a proposal allowing Turkish Airlines to boost flights fivefold to and from Australia reaching up to 35 flights per week by 2025, ABC reports. The airline also now has “fifth freedom rights,” allowing it to operate routes between two countries where neither are its home base of Turkey. The approval comes after Australia blocked Qatar Airways from selling more flights to Australia this year. The increased competition is likely to see prices to the Middle East and South-East Asia fall.

PROJECTS-

Dubai’s RTA unveils 2023-2030 digital strategy: Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled 82 projects and initiatives worth AED 1.6 bn as part of its 2023-2030 digital strategy, according to a statement. The strategy, which focuses on strengthening the RTA’s digital transformation, use of data, and digital infrastructure, will be implemented over four phases across a span of seven years, the release adds. A preparatory phase involves seven projects worth some AED 466 mn, while the first phase has 62 projects worth some AED 829 mn, the second phase has 10 projects worth some AED 249 mn, and the third phase has three projects valued at AED 100 mn, the release adds.

The RTA is looking to enhance its services via digital platforms: The strategy aims to enable fintech mobility, increase the adoption of digital service by 95%, digitally empower RTA employees, and develop 50 AI use cases, the release adds. The strategy aims to create an environment that enables leveraging the latest technologies, ensures streamlined service provision, and keeps pace with demands in services, RTA Director General and chairman Mattar Al Tayer commented.

TRADE-

DP World partners with UACCIAP on intra-Africa trade platform: UAE port manager and logistic provider DP World is partnering with the The Union of African Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture & Professions (UACCIAP) to set up an intra-African trade platform, Trade Arabia reports. The pair will create a platform for businesses to share information and gain access to fairs and exhibitions, which should expand the operation and reach of inter-African trade.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

  • Jordan and Korea work on ports and green energy: Jordan’s Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority Environment Commissioner Ayman Suleiman met with South Korea’s Ambassador to Jordan Kim Dong-gi to discuss collaboration in infrastructure, ports, and investment in green energy and green manufacturing. (Statement)
  • More flights from India to Dubai:Air India Express kicks off direct flights from Surat, India to Dubai from newly-opened Surat International Terminal. (Statement)
  • Etihad and Maldivian announce interline partnership: Etihad Airways and Maldives national airline Maldivian are set to increase their network of flights from 10 to 14 a week from 1 January 2024 to several other destinations in the Maldives. (Statement)
  • UAE is getting a new online marketplace:UAE-based web3-enabled online market platform Ayshei.com is set for launch in January 2024. (Statement)
  • Adnoc joins FTSE index:The UAE’s shipping and integrated logistics company Adnoc Logistics and Services has been added to the FTSE All-World Index. (MarketScreener)
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