Strategic Development Fund And REGENT Craft Sign Agreement For Seaglider Manufacturing In UAE

Strategic Development Fund (SDF), an investment firm in Abu Dhabi owned by EDGE Group, has announced a preliminary agreement with REGENT Craft. REGENT is a Rhode Island-based company specialising in all-electric seagliders. This agreement aims to create a joint venture to produce these seagliders in the UAE, targeting markets in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond, pending necessary approvals.

The joint venture will also offer aftermarket services such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). This initiative aligns with EDGE’s and SDF’s strategic focus on advanced technologies within sectors like aerospace and dual-use technologies. It supports projects that enhance the industrial ecosystem and improve supply chain capabilities.

SDF initially invested in REGENT in 2023, increasing its stake in 2024 as talks for the UAE partnership advanced. Once the partnership is established, subject to final conditions and regulatory approvals, SDF plans further investments. This move underscores SDF's confidence in REGENT's potential and strengthens their long-term collaboration.

Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, stated, "SDF’s investment in REGENT Craft aligns with our commitment to focus on establishing strategic partnerships with key players in various industries to develop future-forward technologies. Our investments in critical sectors drive technological advancements and supports our goals to enhance the UAE’s industrial growth in strategic sectors."

Abdulla Al Jaabari, Managing Director & CEO of SDF, expressed strong belief in REGENT Craft's vision. He noted that this initial agreement represents a significant step in their hybrid investment strategy. It combines international startup investments with strategic partnerships to foster transformative technologies development within the UAE.

Earlier this month at the World Government Summit 2025 in Dubai, Billy Thalheimer, Co-founder and CEO of REGENT Craft, spoke at the "Future of Mobility Forum." He discussed plans for a state-of-the-art seaglider manufacturing plant in Abu Dhabi. "We are honoured to deepen our collaboration with SDF and make Abu Dhabi and the UAE a centre for seaglider manufacturing," said Billy.

Advancing Sustainable Transportation

This agreement follows an April 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and REGENT. The MoU aims to bolster REGENT's development within Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster. Badr Al Olama from ADIO remarked on this progress as vital for encouraging advanced technology investments.

Badr Al Olama stated that this partnership advances Abu Dhabi's SAVI cluster objectives by solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable transportation solutions across air, land, and sea. The collaboration will scale REGENT’s manufacturing capabilities and aftermarket services to meet growing demand for seagliders regionally and internationally.

Expanding Manufacturing Capabilities

REGENT recently began constructing a 255,000-square-foot seaglider manufacturing facility in Rhode Island. This facility is expected to become operational by 2026. The expansion will enhance REGENT's ability to meet increasing regional demand for seagliders while supporting sustainable transportation technology advancements.

This partnership marks an important milestone towards achieving sustainable transportation goals through innovative technology development. By focusing on advanced manufacturing capabilities within Abu Dhabi’s SAVI cluster framework, both SDF and REGENT aim to contribute significantly towards regional industrial growth.

With inputs from WAM