Strategic Development Fund and REGENT Craft to Establish Seaglider Manufacturing Joint Venture in the UAE
The Strategic Development Fund (SDF), an investment arm of EDGE Group, has signed an initial agreement with REGENT Craft, a Rhode Island-based developer of all-electric seagliders, to establish a joint venture (JV) for manufacturing and providing after-sales services for seagliders in the UAE. The agreement, subject to regulatory approvals, aims to position Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for seaglider production and supply across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.
The initiative aligns with EDGE and SDF’s strategic focus on advanced technologies within aerospace and dual-use sectors. It also supports efforts to enhance the UAE’s industrial ecosystem by developing critical supply chains and production capabilities.
SDF initially invested in REGENT in 2023, later increasing its stake in 2024 as discussions on the UAE partnership progressed. Upon the successful establishment of the JV, SDF plans to further invest in REGENT, reinforcing its long-term commitment to innovative transportation solutions.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “SDF’s investment in REGENT Craft aligns with our commitment to establishing strategic partnerships that drive technological advancements and enhance the UAE’s industrial growth in critical sectors.”
Echoing this sentiment, Abdulla Al Jaabari, Managing Director and CEO of SDF, said, “We strongly believe in REGENT Craft’s vision and groundbreaking technology. This agreement is a crucial step in our hybrid investment approach—combining international startup investments with strategic partnerships to develop transformative technologies in the UAE.”
REGENT’s Co-founder and CEO, Billy Thalheimer, discussed the company’s expansion plans at the World Government Summit 2025 in Dubai earlier this month. He emphasized the importance of Abu Dhabi as a center for seaglider manufacturing, noting that the agreement with SDF represents a pivotal step toward a sustainable transportation future.
The agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in April 2024 between the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and REGENT. The MoU is part of ADIO’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster initiative, designed to support Abu Dhabi’s position as a leader in next-generation transportation solutions.
His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, commented, “This agreement is a major milestone in advancing investment in cutting-edge technologies and accelerating industrial development in Abu Dhabi. The partnership between SDF and REGENT Craft strengthens the emirate’s role in sustainable transportation across air, land, and sea.”
REGENT’s seagliders are high-speed, all-electric marine vessels designed for passenger travel, cargo transport, offshore energy logistics, defense operations, and emergency response. These innovative vehicles operate exclusively over water and utilize existing dock infrastructure, making them an efficient solution for connecting coastal destinations.
With a growing demand for seagliders in the UAE, REGENT is working with key stakeholders, including the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and Abu Dhabi Maritime, to integrate the vessels into the country’s transportation networks. The company has also partnered with Aramex to assess the feasibility of incorporating seagliders into its middle-mile logistics network. Additionally, REGENT is collaborating with Lloyd’s Register and the UAE Marine Transport Affairs Department to advance maritime certification for the vessels.
The UAE-based seaglider manufacturing facility is expected to significantly contribute to the country’s GDP over the next decade by localizing supply chains, generating high-value jobs, and boosting domestic tourism. REGENT recently commenced construction on a 255,000-square-foot seaglider production plant in Rhode Island, scheduled to begin operations in 2026.
Seagliders are set to enter service in the UAE by 2027, ushering in a new era of sustainable maritime transport in the region.
