A flying car is no longer just something from a sci-fi movie. It’s real, and it has already been tested in Sharjah. The PAL-V Liberty, a flying car made by a Dutch company, was recently showcased at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), and people are excited about what this means for the future of transport in the UAE.
The vehicle, which looks like a mix between a car and a helicopter, has already completed successful tests. According to those involved, it can switch between driving and flying within minutes. That means in the near future, you might not only drive your car on the road, but also fly over traffic when needed.
The PAL-V Liberty is the world’s first certified flying car. It uses a combination of gyroplane technology and a regular petrol engine to allow both driving and flying. When on the ground, it drives like a regular car. But when needed, it unfolds its rotor blades and becomes a flying vehicle.
What Makes This Flying Car Special?
The PAL-V Liberty is not just a prototype or a dream. It’s already gone through safety checks and certifications in Europe. It has a top flying speed of around 180 km/h and can fly for about 500 km on a full tank of fuel. On the road, it can go up to 160 km/h. It needs a small runway to take off, but that’s being worked on too.
What’s unique about this vehicle is that it combines the freedom of flying with the convenience of a car. Instead of waiting in traffic, users can drive to a small airstrip, take off, and land near their destination. This could be a game-changer in cities with busy roads and limited public transport.
Why Sharjah?
Sharjah is quickly becoming a hotspot for future technologies. The SRTIP is helping test new innovations in transport, energy, and science. The PAL-V Liberty was brought to the UAE as part of this push toward smarter and more sustainable living. Officials believe that flying cars can be a big part of the future, especially in a country like the UAE that’s already known for adopting high-tech ideas.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi, the CEO of SRTIP, said that Sharjah is proud to lead this movement. He mentioned that flying cars are not only exciting but also helpful for saving time, reducing traffic, and improving how cities work.
By supporting this project, Sharjah wants to show the world that the UAE is ready to embrace the next step in mobility. It’s not just about cars anymore—it’s about air mobility and thinking ahead.
Who Is Behind the PAL-V?
The flying car was made by PAL-V (Personal Air and Land Vehicle), a Dutch company that has been working on flying transport for more than 15 years. Their team of engineers, pilots, and designers created a vehicle that meets both driving and flying regulations. The PAL-V Liberty has already passed many tests in Europe and is now looking at other regions, like the Middle East.
According to PAL-V CEO Robert Dingemanse, the UAE is one of the most important places for this kind of technology. The country’s strong infrastructure, interest in innovation, and futuristic outlook make it a perfect fit for flying cars. He believes the Middle East could be one of the first regions in the world where these vehicles are used daily.
What’s Next for Flying Cars in the UAE?
While the car has been tested, it’s not yet available for public use. There are still rules and air traffic laws that need to be discussed. However, officials are already talking about building small airstrips or “vertiports” where flying cars can take off and land safely.
In the future, you might see flying taxis, emergency response flying vehicles, or even private flying cars being used in cities like Sharjah, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi. Some experts even believe flying cars could be cheaper than helicopters and much more eco-friendly.
Safety is, of course, a big issue. But PAL-V says the vehicle is designed with multiple safety systems. It has dual engines and backup systems to make sure it keeps flying safely even in case of failure.
People Are Curious and Excited
The showcase of the PAL-V Liberty attracted a lot of attention in Sharjah. People are fascinated by the idea of flying cars becoming a reality. Some said it felt like they were watching the future unfold before their eyes. Others asked when they could actually buy or ride one.
Though flying cars won’t replace regular vehicles anytime soon, their arrival shows how quickly technology is changing our lives. With the UAE’s constant support for smart cities, AI, and electric vehicles, flying cars seem like the next big step.
How Much Would It Cost?
At the moment, the PAL-V Liberty is not cheap. It costs around $400,000 to $600,000, depending on the model. But like all new technology, the price could go down over time as it becomes more popular and easier to produce.
Think of it like the early days of mobile phones or electric cars—they started expensive, but now they’re everywhere. Flying cars could follow the same path.
Final Thoughts
Sharjah has once again shown its commitment to the future. The arrival of the PAL-V flying car proves that the UAE is not afraid to take bold steps toward innovation. While we may not all be flying to work tomorrow, that day may be closer than we think.
Whether it’s for business, emergency services, or simply avoiding traffic, flying cars might soon become part of our everyday life. And with the UAE leading the way, the skies might be busier than ever in the coming years.
Also read: Air Arabia Serves Sharjah’s Mleiha Milk in the Sky
