A Swiss solar-powered plane has taken off from Abu Dhabi - marking the start of the first attempt to fly around the world without a single drop of fuel.

The Solar Impulse 2 aircraft is propelled solely by the sun's energy through more than 17,000 solar cells.

The plane took off shortly before 7.15am local time (3.15am Irish time).

The plane is expected to complete the first leg of its journey in Muscat, Oman later this afternoon. It is due to land around twelve hours after take-off.

The flight is being undertaken as part of the Future is Clean campaign, which is looking to raise awareness of clean energy sources and technologies.

Solar Impulse co-founder Bertrand Piccard is one of the two pilots who will take the plane around the world: