ONE launches AI-integrated residential tower with aerial mobility in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, 13 Dec 2025 - ONE Development has introduced ONE Residence on Al Reem Island, its first project in the capital and a statement of where urban living is heading next. The developer states the 31-storey tower is the first residential building globally to integrate a full aerial mobility ecosystem with AI-driven living.
The tower includes rooftop access for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and is engineered for autonomous passenger operations with a VIP mode. A dedicated logistics drone port supports last-mile deliveries to residents and service providers without touching the street.
This ecosystem was developed with Advanced Mobility Hub, part of Multi Level Group, and is powered by VertiHub, the group's vertical mobility platform. The goal: fuse design, technology and infrastructure into a community built for how residents will move and live over the next decade.
The launch took place at Emirates Palace before investors and industry leaders, with brand ambassador Amr Diab in attendance. It follows ONE Development's recent activity in Egypt and Dubai and signals a broader push to deliver next-gen destinations across high-growth markets.
What leadership said
Ali Al Gebely, Founder and Chairman of ONE Development, said: "Bringing our first project to Abu Dhabi is a meaningful step for us. As an Emirati developer, building in the capital carries both pride and responsibility."
He added: "ONE Residence represents our ambition to contribute to Abu Dhabi's unique vision with developments that combine design, technology and quality in a way that genuinely enhances how people live."
"ONE Residence is designed around the dual rhythm of city life and waterfront calm. Set along the shores of Al Reem Island, the tower offers residents a location that balances access to Abu Dhabi's cultural and commercial districts with the tranquillity of island living. The project introduces AI-enabled comfort, premium amenities and a curated lifestyle experience that aligns with the expectations of modern residents and investors."
Why this matters for real estate and construction teams
- Vertiport on structure: Plan for dynamic loads, downwash, perimeter protection, and safe passenger flow between roof and core. Early coordination with structural, facade, MEP, and fire/life safety is essential.
- Power and charging: eVTOL operations will drive high, peaky electrical demand. Budget for high-voltage distribution, energy storage, smart load management, and redundancy to keep lifts, BMS, and vertiport systems online.
- Permitting and airspace: Expect engagement with aviation authorities for flight paths, operating hours, and UTM (uncrewed traffic management). Build in acoustic studies, neighbor impact assessments, and emergency access planning.
- Fire and battery safety: Address lithium-ion risks with detection, ventilation, suppression, separation distances, and incident response protocols. Update O&M manuals and run drills with first responders.
- Operations and security: Define passenger screening, VIP mode procedures, lift zoning, and restricted access. Integrate drone logistics workflows into service corridors and loading docks.
- Insurance and liability: New risk classes may affect premiums and lender requirements. Involve brokers and underwriters early to avoid surprises at handover.
- Revenue model: Consider skyport fees, service bundles, and partnerships with mobility operators and delivery networks. Model utilization scenarios to price amenities credibly.
AI in the stack: what owners and FMs should expect
- Predictive operations: Fault detection, maintenance scheduling, and spare-parts planning tied to live building data.
- Smart energy: Demand forecasting, peak shaving, and coordination between grid, storage, EV/eVTOL charging, and common-area loads.
- Resident experience: Intelligent access, concierge, and in-unit automations that reduce friction without adding noise.
- Governance: Clear policies for data privacy, cyber-security, and vendor access. Favor open integrations to avoid lock-in.
Location and product positioning
Set on Al Reem Island, ONE Residence sits between Abu Dhabi's cultural and commercial districts and the calm of the waterfront. The mix of AI-enabled comfort, mobility access, and amenities targets residents and investors looking for future-fit assets with practical upside.
What to watch next
- Standards: Vertiport design guidance is progressing; align early with aviation best practices as they mature. See reference below.
- Certification and OEM timelines: Project handover plans should match realistic aircraft readiness and operator availability.
- Community acceptance: Noise, privacy, and operating windows will define how often aircraft can use the roof. Design for acceptance, not just compliance.
Useful references
Next steps for teams
- Run a rooftop feasibility study (structure, MEP, egress, wind and acoustic) before schematic design locks in.
- Open a permitting track with local aviation and municipal authorities; align on flight paths and operating limits early.
- Prototype the data layer: BMS, vertiport systems, access control, and resident apps should speak the same language.
- Draft an emergency and business continuity plan that covers both passenger flights and drone logistics.
- Upskill core staff on AI operations and data governance for property teams. If helpful, see role-based options here: AI courses by job.
ONE Residence signals how mobility and living can share a single platform rather than separate silos. For developers, contractors, and operators, the playbook starts with structure and safety, then moves straight into power, data, and day-one operations.
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