Meet SeaBubbles - the hydrogen-powered flying boat that protects waterways and marine life due to its zero-wave, zero-noise, zero-emission design.

Created as an alternative to traditionally carbon-emitting road transport and maritime vessels, SeaBubbles is designed to transport up to 12 passengers and intended to combine at the comfort of a luxury car with the convenience of a fast boat, and the stability of a plane.

It operates by flying on submerged wings that lift the craft like a plane, and leaves no polluting emissions in the air thanks to its electric-hydrogen energy.

SeaBubbles is a startup founded by Alain Thébault and Anders Bringdal in 2016. Thébault is the designer of the world record breaking Hydroptère - an experimental hydrofoil which broke the world record for sailing speed twice - and Bringdal is a four-time windsurfing world champion.

The founders say they envisioned SeaBubbles as a way for cities to reduce traffic congestion and help the environment by taking advantage of waterways to move people around in fast water taxis. In addition, the environmentally friendly design makes it ideal for eco-tourism sightseeing in protected areas.

Traditionally designed boats and ships can cause pollution and have a heavy impact on the ocean and its environment - for example boat motors that use fuel pollute by emitting gasses and carbon dioxide.

In fact maritime vessels contribute a significant amount of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) calculated that ocean-going vessels release 3% of all global carbon dioxide each year.

In addition, the noise produced by passing ships affects the marine ecosystem by potentially preventing fish or whales from hearing their prey or predators, finding their way, or connecting with mates, group members, or their young.

Seabubbles was showcased at the recent Future Innovation Summit in Dubai on 11-12 May, which explored the latest technologies for shaping a more resilient and connected world, with a focus on climate change, healthcare, energy, sustainability, and robotics.

“Urban mobility is at the centre of major innovative research globally. From air purity to lifestyle comfort, the potential for growth is immense and shapes the future of our cities.

"What can we do to make a change? We can adopt new ways of looking at our natural infrastructure," said Virginie Seurat, vice president of SeaBubbles.

"Since the beginning of time, humans have built their settlements near water points such as lakes, rivers, and seas, which have always been viewed as the axis of trade and discoveries," she added.