UAE Aims to Host World’s First Flying Car Race

UAE May Organise First-Ever Flying Car Race 5 Metres Above Ground

Residents and racing car enthusiasts may be able to witness the world’s first flying car race in April 2024, not too far away, as the UAE prepares to host the largest autonomous car race in history.

The UAE is one of the top contenders to host flying car races, according to Christian Pineau, CEO of Maca Flight, the first manufacturer of hydrogen-powered racing cars.

Pineau stated to Khaleej Times on Monday that the objective is to establish a legitimate flying racing car championship.

The flying racing car was unveiled earlier this year at CES 2023 by the French company, which is now operating independently after being spun off from the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

The $2 million (Dh7.34 million) flying racing car can travel at a maximum speed of 250 km/h and emits no greenhouse gases. During the racing champion, the single-seater car will fly only 4-5 metres above the ground, giving spectators a good view to watch and enjoy the race.

Pineau anticipates that eight to ten people will compete in the first race. It was announced last month at the Gitex Technology exhibition in Dubai that Abu Dhabi will play host to the first-ever autonomous vehicle race on April 28, 2024, with approximately ten participating institutions. This will be the biggest autonomous vehicle race in history, with programmers competing on the Yas Marina Formula 1 Racecourse in Abu Dhabi in place of drivers.

To move the project forward, Red Bull, which participates in a variety of extreme sports, has teamed up with the French company Maca Flight. By the end of 2025, if all goes according to plan, we ought to be able to organise a flying racing car championship. The UAE or here in Dubai may host the inaugural race. Pineau stated that interest in the project has also been expressed by Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

Prior to Sale

He stated that once the first full-scale demonstrator is completed, which should happen in a few months, presales for the first hydrogen-powered flying racing car will begin. Owners of the flying race car will also receive training from Maca Flight.” They are welcome to test their own cars on our racecourse, if they so choose. Since it takes more skill, we want them to be somewhat proficient helicopter pilots. Additionally, we’ll have a simulator so they can practise.

Regulatory Endorsements

Additionally, the business is pursuing regulatory approvals for the flying race car.” We want to make sure that we don’t run into any certification issues. Many lovely projects exist, but they’re currently being held up by certification issues in a garage. You run into issues when you transport people while flying over densely populated areas. At the Dubai Airshow 2023, Pineau stated, “In our case, we just fly in a restricted area with no people onboard other than the pilot.”It will apply for authorization from French regulatory bodies.” To fly, we only need a permit—full certification is not necessary. We have European certification agency EAA’s preapproval in addition to our own, so we are cleared to fly,” he said in closing.

Read More: USS Dwight S. Eisenhower Deploys to the Gulf of Oman