A Historic Flight Over Palm Jumeirah
The breakthrough came as Chinese company Xpeng Aeroht — soon to be rebranded as Aridge — unveiled its revolutionary electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle ahead of GITEX, the UAE’s largest technology exhibition. The demonstration, held above Palm Jumeirah, offered a dazzling preview of what the future of urban air mobility could look like across cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The Future of Air-Ground Mobility
Xpeng’s innovation features a two-part vehicle system — a six-wheeled ground “mothership” paired with an autonomous passenger drone. This design allows short-distance air travel to be practical, safe, and adaptable for real-world use.
The eVTOL aircraft launches directly from the ground module, which also doubles as a charging platform and mobile storage unit. Its ability to take off and land across varied terrains — from deserts to coastlines — makes it ideal for emergency response, remote access, and high-speed regional transport.
“Flying by itself is cool, and I believe now the era of personal flying is taking off,”
said Michael Du, Vice President of Xpeng Aeroht.
Commercial Interest Takes Off
With over 600 orders across the Middle East and 7,000 globally, the excitement surrounding eVTOL technology is moving beyond experimentation — it’s entering the commercial stage.
The latest model represents the fifth generation of Xpeng’s drone-vehicle integration. Measuring 5.5 meters long and two meters wide, the ground module comfortably seats four passengers and fits within a standard parking space.
Intelligent, Safe, and Scalable
A single-stick control system and smart flight management software make flying intuitive, while electronic fencing technology ensures the aircraft stays within approved airspace.
This innovation merges electric propulsion, AI-driven control, and big data — effectively blending modern automotive engineering with aviation technology.
Xpeng’s new manufacturing plant in Guangzhou is capable of producing 10,000 units annually, paving the way for mass adoption of personal flying vehicles.
The UAE Leads in eVTOL Integration
The UAE government recently granted a special flight permit for Xpeng’s aircraft, signaling strong national support for integrating flying cars into the country’s smart mobility ecosystem.
According to Boston Consulting Group, China’s eVTOL market could reach $41 billion by 2040, while the Middle East could account for $11 billion — evidence of the region’s growing investment in next-generation transportation.
The Sky Is No Longer the Limit
From futuristic concept to real-world innovation, eVTOLs are reshaping how we connect cities and communities. As advancements in battery technology, flight safety, and manufacturing accelerate, the once-distant dream of flying cars is becoming an everyday reality.
The Future of Air Mobility at EVIS 2026
The 5th Edition of the Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit (EVIS) in Abu Dhabi, taking place on 13–14 October 2026 at the ADNEC Centre, will spotlight the future of electric aviation, eVTOLs, and sustainable mobility.
Join global leaders, innovators, and policymakers as they explore how AI, electrification, and air-ground integration are transforming the next decade of transport innovation.
Join us in Abu Dhabi — where the journey to the skies truly begins.
