SDF, REGENT Craft To Establish UAE-Based JV For Electric Seaglider Manufacturing

Strategic Development Fund (SDF), an investment company based in Abu Dhabi and fully owned by EDGE Group, has signed an initial agreement with REGENT Craft, a company from Rhode Island that develops and manufactures electric seagliders.

Under this agreement, both companies plan to create a joint venture (JV) in the UAE to manufacture REGENT's electric seagliders. These seagliders will be supplied to the Middle East, Africa, and other regions, once all necessary approvals are received.

The JV will also offer aftermarket services, such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), WAM reported.

Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, said that SDF's investment in REGENT Craft aligns with its goal of building strong partnerships across different industries to develop advanced technologies.

He added that investing in key sectors helps drive technological progress and supports the UAE's industrial growth in important areas.

Abdulla Al Jaabari, Managing Director & CEO of SDF, expressed confidence in REGENT Craft's vision and innovative technology. He stated that this agreement is an important step in SDF's strategy, which combines investing in global startups with forming strategic partnerships to help develop new technologies in the UAE.

The joint venture aligns with the goals of EDGE and SDF, which focus on advanced technologies in key sectors like aerospace and dual-use technologies. It also supports projects that help grow the industrial ecosystem, improve the supply chain, and boost production capabilities in these fields.

SDF first invested in REGENT in 2023 and increased its investment in 2024 as discussions about the UAE partnership moved forward.

Once the partnership is successfully established — after meeting the necessary conditions and getting regulatory approvals — SDF plans to invest further in REGENT, showing its confidence in the company's potential and commitment to a long-term partnership.

The agreement builds on an April 2024 MoU between the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and REGENT, aimed at supporting seaglider development within Abu Dhabi's Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster.

Badr Al Olama, Director-General of ADIO, said the deal promotes investment in advanced technologies, innovation, and industrial growth in Abu Dhabi. He added that the SDF-REGENT partnership strengthens the emirate's position as a leader in sustainable transportation across air, land, and sea.

This collaboration will expand REGENT's production and service capabilities to meet rising demand. The company is also building a 255,000 sq. ft. seaglider facility in Rhode Island, set to open in 2026.