Flying cars and AI dazzle at Dubai expo

China's intelligent manufacturing is putting its capabilities on full display at one of the world's most influential technology and AI exhibitions in the United Arab Emirates this week, with its low-altitude economy taking center stage.

More than 300 Chinese enterprises, spanning AI robotics, intelligent solutions, flying cars and 5G technologies, have showcased their latest products at Dubai World Trade Centre for the five-day 45th GITEX Global in Dubai, which is bringing together over 6,800 tech companies and 2,000 startups from around 180 countries and regions from Oct 13 to 17, according to organizers.

At Xpeng AeroHT's booth, the two-seater electric vertical takeoff and landing, or eVTOL, aircraft has drawn crowds of visitors and exhibitors. The aircraft is part of the world's first mass-produced modular flying car, the "Land Aircraft Carrier" — which features a six-wheeled ground module that acts as both a transporter and an energy supply platform.

"Amazing! Electric flying cars are the future of travel, and it is incredible to witness history," said Rashid Al Dosari, a visitor from Qatar.

The aircraft completed its first overseas manned flight in Dubai on Sunday, during which Xpeng AeroHT received 600 orders for the flying vehicle across the Middle East, including the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait. This marked the largest overseas order volume secured by a Chinese eVTOL manufacturer. Zhao Deli, founder of Xpeng AeroHT, noted that deliveries will begin in 2027.

This progress aligns with China's efforts to build an ecosystem centered on manned and unmanned civil aerial vehicles, utilizing low-altitude airspace below 3,000 meters. The low-altitude economy encompasses manufacturing, entertainment, logistics, leisure, sports, emergency services and medical services.

Ou Boqian, China's consul-general in Dubai, called the flight in the Middle Eastern hub a crucial step in the internationalization process of China's low-altitude electric manned flight technology.

"It serves as a vivid footnote to China's intelligent manufacturing stepping onto the global stage," she said, hoping that more Chinese enterprises will deepen cooperation with Middle Eastern countries and inject new vitality into the regional innovation ecosystem.

Market growth

Boston Consulting Group has forecast that China's eVTOL market will be worth $41 billion by 2040, while the Middle East market is expected to reach $11 billion by then.

As the UAE and Saudi Arabia roll out strategies to lead the Middle East's shift from an energy-reliant economy to a technology-driven one, low-altitude transportation has emerged as a key sector.

Michael Chao Du, vice-president of Xpeng AeroHT, said the Gulf region is a crucial market for the industry. "Today, we are standing on the shoulders of four giants: electric vehicles, intelligent driving, as well as big data and intelligent management. Together, these pillars are ushering in a genuine age of personal flight."

Ali Ahmad Al Blooshi, an official from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, said the "Chinese solution" for flying cars will help realize Dubai's vision of "air commuting". "Imagine a flight from Dubai to Abu Dhabi taking just 30 minutes. Personally, I'd definitely want one in the future."

GOVY, the flying vehicle brand under Chinese automaker GAC Group, made its Middle East debut by showcasing the Govy AirCar. The aircraft uses aviation-grade carbon fiber composites, with carbon fiber accounting for over 90 percent of its structural materials. It features a top-mounted rotor and gull-wing doors, enabling vertical takeoff and landing.

Mohamed Khaled, a visitor from the UAE, said, "This vehicle has both elegance and power. What we're seeing today is what we'll have in the near future. I hope everyone in this region can own such amazing vehicles. Over the past 3 to 5 years, many Chinese brands have really proven themselves here. Congrats to China!"