As part of Dubai's pioneering role in leading global efforts in the development of the future industry and construction, and its high readiness in future sectors thanks to its advanced infrastructure and supportive investment environment that enables innovators and companies worldwide to make it their first stop towards global expansion, THE JET ZeroEmission, a Swiss startup, announced a memorandum of understanding with Zenith Marine Services LLC in the United Arab Emirates, and DWYN LLC, an investor in entrepreneurship and financing; to implement and launch THE JET, the world's first flying boat powered by hydrogen and clean technology. Dubai will witness the global debut of this unique flying boat.
THE JET boasts many advanced technological features, designed innovatively to match the technological evolution occurring worldwide, while incorporating elements of luxury and sophistication. The boat can accommodate between 8 to 12 passengers and can "fly" silently above the water at a cruising speed of 40 knots, utilizing two fuel cells and batteries powered by clean energy, high-quality air conditioning, and technological innovations based on hydrogen energy to protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions.
On this occasion, Alain Thébault, founder of THE JET ZeroEmission and former record holder for global sailing speed in 2009, as well as inventor of the electric prototype "Seabubbles" in 2016, stated: "We are pleased to announce from Dubai the signing of a memorandum of understanding through which we can launch THE JET, the world's first flying boat, which takes off at high speeds without noise, waves, or emissions, being able to glide silently 80 cm above the water surface."
He added: "Dubai is a wonderful city that provides innovators and companies worldwide with everything they need to develop ideas and move forward, which is why we are announcing today from here THE JET, the flying boat that I designed myself and will be executed with my team. We look forward to meeting interested parties aboard this amazing flying boat during the preparatory session for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28 UAE) in November 2023."
The imminent implementation and launch of the first flying boat of its kind globally represents a significant step forward, and the memorandum of understanding signifies two major achievements: the anticipated launch in Dubai and THE JET securing part of the total project financing amounting to 10 million euros. This partnership between THE JET and business partners in the UAE is considered a qualitative leap in the use of clean energy and the future of maritime transport worldwide, with the innovative and advanced fuel cell technology of THE JET being presented on a historic inaugural flight in Dubai during the COP28 UAE preparatory session in November 2023.
Dubai places great emphasis on clean and renewable energy through the launch of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to produce 75% of Dubai’s energy needs from clean sources by 2050. It also aims to make Dubai a global center for clean energy and green economy. The strategy consists of five main pathways: infrastructure, legislative framework, financing, capacity building, and employing an environmentally friendly energy mix.
