Company deepens its UAE presence through flight validation, airworthiness activities and preparations for future inter-emirate advanced air mobility services.
RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE, Sept. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ARIDGE (Formerly XPENG AEROHT), Asia's largest flying car company, officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and under the full oversight of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the two parties will jointly establish an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) regulatory sandbox in the UAE, while simultaneously advancing the planning and implementation of an inter-emirate demonstration route connecting Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah.
The cooperation marks a major industry breakthrough, making ARIDGE the first Chinese flying car company to enter a national-level regulatory sandbox in the Middle East, while also establishing the world's first flying car testing sandbox dedicated to personal low-altitude flight.
Through the regulatory sandbox led by RAKTA (Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority), ARIDGE will conduct flight validation under desert conditions, evaluate aircraft performance across representative operational scenarios and refine procedures within controlled airspace. The program will provide a structured environment for the company to validate its technology and operating model while working closely with relevant authorities and industry partners.
The planned Abu Dhabi–Ras Al Khaimah demonstration route will serve as a real-world platform for assessing the requirements of future inter-emirate advanced air mobility services. The program is expected to cover key operational areas, including flight planning, airspace coordination, ground support, passenger handling, aircraft turnaround and safety management.
By combining aircraft validation, regulatory engagement and route-based operational testing, ARIDGE aims to build a comprehensive foundation for the safe and compliant introduction of commercial air-mobility services in the UAE. His Highness Sheikh Saud said: "The true value of technology lies in the difference it makes to people's lives and in its ability to support development and improve services." He noted that "Ras Al Khaimah is harnessing innovation and new technologies to support the growth of its economy, enhance quality of life, strengthen the Emirate's competitiveness and reinforce its position as a preferred destination to live, work, invest and visit."
As part of its recent activities in the UAE, ARIDGE also conducted a live formation flight demonstration of its modular flying car, the Land Aircraft Carrier, at a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy celebrating the 77th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China and the 42nd Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and the UAE at the Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. Attended by the Chinese Ambassador Zeng Jixin, and representatives of the UAE government and business community, as well as international guests, the demonstration offered partners a firsthand view of ARIDGE's technology.
The Land Aircraft Carrier embodies ARIDGE's vision of integrating ground and air tourism into a flexible solution. Its modular configuration is designed to expand the practical applications of ground and air vehicles while creating new possibilities for how people experience the sky. With safety at its core, ARIDGE's advanced flight control system allows pilots to override autonomous functions while maintaining stable flight within safe parameters. The air module includes fully redundant systems for propulsion, power, communications, and flight control, with automatic rotor failure response in milliseconds.
ARIDGE's entry into the regulatory sandbox and advancement of the demonstration route mark an important step in its global expansion. The UAE program will generate valuable operational experience and support ARIDGE in developing localized, scalable advanced air mobility services, while accelerating the company's broader global expansion across key international markets, including Europe and Southeast Asia.
ARIDGE Media Contacts:
Amanda Chen
Tel: +86 18375851346
Email: chenjw1@aridge.com
Kevin He
Tel: +86 13316220904
Email: hezk@aridge.com
Media Kit:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FVNBspOTNkU4ZXn_C-WbkfzR23JLPiOR?usp=sharing
About ARIDGE (formerly XPENG AEROHT)
ARIDGE is the largest flying car company in Asia and an integral part of the XPENG Group ecosystem. Our vision is to become the "Global Leader in Low-Altitude Product Innovations", and our mission is "Freedom to Fly". We are committed to creating safe, intelligent low-altitude mobility products, such as flying cars, for a variety of user needs. Whether it's personal flight, aerial commuting, or public services, we are driving the transformation of low-altitude mobility, bringing the freedom and convenience of flight to everyone.
For more information:
Website: https://intl.aridge.com/
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: @ARIDGE_Official
Facebook: @ARIDGE_Official
Twitter: @ARIDGE_Official
LinkedIn: @ARIDGE
Pinterest: @ARIDGE_Official
TikTok: @ARIDGE_Official
YouTube: @ARIDGE_Official
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
ARIDGE and UAE Authorities to Jointly Establish the World's First Personal Flying Car Regulatory Sandbox
ARIDGE and UAE Authorities to Jointly Establish the World's First Personal Flying Car Regulatory Sandbox
ARIDGE and UAE Authorities to Jointly Establish the World's First Personal Flying Car Regulatory Sandbox
NEW YORK, Sept. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Insta360 officially opened its first flagship retail store outside of Asia on Saturday, September 19, 2026, occupying a prime location at 1515 Broadway in New York's Times Square. The store opening marks a major milestone in the global imaging brand's international expansion, underscoring its maturity, scale, and long-term commitment to supporting the U.S. market.
The New York flagship arrives as Insta360 surpasses 10 million cameras shipped worldwide, signaling a new stage of global brand momentum and strong leadership in the camera market. According to IDC, Insta360 ranked No.1 in the global 360° camera market, maintaining a significant lead over competitors with a shipment share of nearly 70% in Q1 this year.
The launch is also part of a broader physical retail strategy that includes a flagship store opened in Tokyo in August, dozens of authorized stores across Asia, and planned European expansion into cities such as Munich.
Establishing a Permanent Footprint in a Priority Market
Insta360 has cultivated strong momentum in the United States since entering the market in 2016, establishing clear category leadership in 360º Cameras*†. Opening an owned flagship in Times Square demonstrates confidence in future North American growth and a desire to build deeper, lasting connections within the U.S. creator ecosystem.
"Reaching 10 million cameras shipped worldwide is a milestone we owe to our community, but opening in Times Square is about building lasting roots," said Max Richter, Co-founder and VP of Marketing at Insta360. "This store opening is about more than just selling into the U.S.; it reflects our long-term commitment to the American creator ecosystem. We look forward to continuing our support for local creators, connecting directly with everyday users, and making innovative imaging tech approachable for anyone with a story to tell."
Democratizing Creativity from Online Awareness to Offline Experience
While Insta360 originally built global awareness through viral social media content and digital channels, the Times Square flagship introduces a permanent physical touchpoint designed to make creative technology accessible to everyone. The store serves as an experience center, offering hands-on product trials, in-person education, technical support, and community space.
By letting visitors test 360, action, gimbal, and wearable cameras in person, the store bridges the gap between online visibility and real-world understanding—helping consumers move from recognizing viral videos to learning how the technology works and capturing their own everyday moments.
"We are thrilled to welcome an innovative, industry-leading brand like Insta360 to the Crossroads of the World," said Tom Harris, President of the Times Square Alliance. "Times Square has always been a global stage for creativity, culture, and cutting-edge technology, making it the perfect home for Insta360's flagship store and a fantastic addition to our dynamic retail landscape."
Grand Opening Highlights
The grand opening at 1515 Broadway featured a day of immersive brand experiences and celebration dedicated to Insta360's growing New York City community. Insta360 Co-founder and VP of Marketing Max Richter led the official ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside renowned filmmaker Casey Neistat. A longtime user of Insta360 technology, Neistat's participation underscores the brand's deep-rooted connection to the professional creator community. The event also featured YouTubers Jesse Wellens and Jeana Smith—both veteran advocates of the brand—who served as honorary store managers, providing hands-on product walkthroughs and engaging directly with local users.
In a nod to Insta360's action-first spirit, the brand also hosted a "Ride Bold" rally, a cycling event that sent 100 riders past iconic New York landmarks to capture the city using Insta360 hardware. The opening attracted long lines of customers waiting outside the store for hours for a chance to explore interactive camera demos, enjoy exclusive opening-day giveaways, and interact with honorary store managers.
*Source: Circana, LLC, Retail Tracking Service, US, Camcorders by Brand, 360 Degrees Capable, Dollar & Unit Sales, Jan 2020 - Feb 2025 Combined
†360° Camera is defined by Circana as camcorders with video and 360-degree view capability.
About Insta360
With a "Think bold" mindset, Insta360 empowers people to capture and share their lives in extraordinary ways. Recognized as a market leader and innovator, Insta360's vast lineup includes the world's best-selling 360 cameras in the X Series, the thumb-sized GO Series for everyday capture, as well as an extensive range of action cameras, gimbals, webcams, and professional photography solutions. With intuitive, AI-powered software, Insta360 simplifies the creative process, allowing users to focus on storytelling without technical barriers. Insta360 is dedicated to helping a new generation of athletes, creatives, travelers and professionals bring their ideas to life.
For more details, visit: http://www.insta360.com
About the Think Bold Fund: https://www.insta360.com/ThinkBoldFund
Read our blog: https://www.insta360.com/blog
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Insta360
Follow us on X: https://x.com/insta360
Follow us on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/insta360
Follow us on TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@insta360_official
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insta360
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/insta360
Insta360 Global Awards 2026 Supported by Leica: https://www.insta360.com/awards/about
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Insta360 Opens First Flagship Store Outside Asia In New York's Times Square Amid Global Retail Expansion
Insta360 Opens First Flagship Store Outside Asia In New York's Times Square Amid Global Retail Expansion
