Under supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, and in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Saeed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the General Civil Aviation Authority and the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) have signed a cooperation agreement to enhance the design, manufacturing and deployment of advanced air mobility solutions. The agreement aims to advance innovation in the sector, align efforts related to design certification and the efficiency of smart aviation systems, and develop regulatory frameworks for sustainable air transport solutions. The initiative supports the objectives and vision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council to shape the future of smart mobility in the emirate and advance autonomous transportation systems across land, sea and air. Under the agreement, the three entities will collaborate to develop State of Design and State of Manufacture documentation, and outline specifications to guide and support the certification and regulation of emerging advanced aircraft technologies, including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and electric conventional take-off and landing (eCTOL) systems. Al Ain Region will serve as a global hub for design and regulatory activities in the sector. Supporting infrastructure, technical expertise and international partnerships will be developed to ensure safe and sustainable operations. In addition, the programme’s design and implementation will be tailored to ensure alignment with international standards and best practice. His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, said: “The UAE has long been a global leader in aviation regulation and safety. Through this collaboration, we are taking meaningful steps towards developing the capabilities associated with a State of Design, reinforcing our readiness to guide and certify the next generation of advanced aircraft technologies. We remain committed to ensuring our regulatory frameworks set benchmarks for excellence and innovation worldwide.” His Excellency Badr Al-Olama,