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JEDDAH: Drone technology is emerging as a central pillar of ��������’s push toward economic diversification, as the Kingdom leverages its Vision 2030 initiative to foster innovation across key industries.

From construction and oil to logistics and agriculture, drones are not only enhancing operational efficiency but are also central to achieving sustainability goals.

With strong government backing, the drone market in �������� is poised for significant growth. Strategic investments and regulatory reforms are providing a conducive environment for drone technology, positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in aerial innovation.

Rabih Bou Rached, founder and CEO of Dubai-based Falcon Eye Drones, a leader in Middle Eastern drone operations, emphasized that the unmanned aircraft are essential for Vision 2030, particularly in revitalizing industries, boosting operational efficiency and meeting sustainability objectives.

“The Saudi government’s commitment to technology adoption and strategic investments is facilitating drone integration across various sectors, creating new opportunities and innovations,” he said.

The drone sector is growing rapidly, supported by regulatory advancements and increasing demand from multiple industries. He cited a MarketsandMarkets report forecasting that the Middle East drone market would reach $5.54 billion by 2025, with �������� driving much of this growth.

The report attributes this to sectors like construction, oil and gas, agriculture and logistics, which are leveraging drone technology to enhance productivity and reduce costs.

Drone impact on key sectors

In construction, drones are revolutionizing project management and site inspections. Bou Rached said the Saudi construction market, valued at $70.33 billion in 2024, was set to grow to $91.36 billion by 2029, with drones playing a key role in driving efficiency.

In the oil and gas sector, drones are used for inspection, monitoring and maintenance, helping reduce costs and improve safety by minimizing human intervention in hazardous environments.

“According to a report by PwC, drones can reduce inspection costs by up to 85 percent and enhance safety by minimizing human intervention in hazardous environments. Drones provide an effective solution for inspecting gas flares, monitoring pipelines, and detecting leaks, ensuring operational continuity, and improving safety,” Bou Rached added.

Despite the rapid growth, regulatory challenges persist. Bou Rached pointed out that while �������� has made significant strides in developing drone-friendly regulations, there are still areas for improvement.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation is revising regulations to balance safety and innovation, with new efforts to streamline licensing and create clearer guidelines for commercial drone operations.

“As with most of the Middle East though, there are focus areas for development. The existing regulations concerning operational limits, airspace usage, and licensing requirements are under scrutiny by the powers that be, to allow for improved usage and development,” he said.

He stressed regulatory clarity was essential for maximizing drone capabilities across sectors: “Recent efforts include streamlined licensing processes and clearer guidelines for commercial drone operations.”

Job creation and future prospects

The integration of drones is expected to spur job creation and skills development, particularly in fields such as manufacturing, maintenance and data analysis.

Bou Rached foresees increased educational opportunities as universities offer programs focused on drone technology, robotics and artificial intelligence: “This technology is poised to be a catalyst for job creation and skills development,” he said.

Alhussain Al-Hazmi, CEO of Riyadh-based Lensic Drone Solutions, echoed Bou Rached’s optimism and highlighted the rapid adoption of drones across various sectors in ��������.

“Drone technology is playing a vital role in helping �������� achieve its Vision 2030 goals, particularly in driving economic diversification and enhancing efficiency across key sectors,” Al-Hazmi said.

He noted the success of drones in defense, particularly for real-time surveillance and reducing human risk in dangerous environments.

The CEO also highlighted their growing use in logistics, citing a pilotless air taxi initiative during the 2024 Hajj to manage congestion and improve transport efficiency. “The logistics sector is also benefiting from drone technology. During the 2024 Hajj, the government successfully trialed pilotless air taxis to manage congestion and transport people more efficiently,” he said.

In the mining sector, Al-Hazmi’s company collaborates with Royal Road Arabia to enhance mineral exploration using advanced drones. These drones are equipped with hyperspectral scanners and other technologies to gather high-precision data, aiding in the exploration of copper and gold mines.

“These results demonstrate the power of drone technology in enhancing the discovery and exploration of valuable mineral resources,” he said.

Regulatory and infrastructure challenges

Despite the excitement surrounding drone technology, regulatory hurdles persist. Alhazmi pointed out that the approval process for drone operations, especially for advanced or heavy drones, can be cumbersome. The GACA restricts drones heavier than 24.99 kg, limiting their use to government projects, which restricts the private sector’s potential.

However, Al-Hazmi sees promise in the government’s ongoing efforts to streamline regulatory frameworks and foster collaboration with the private sector. “Clearer guidelines and faster approval processes are being developed to help companies operate more efficiently,” he said. “Collaboration between the government and the private sector is being actively encouraged to develop smoother, more efficient regulations that better meet industry needs.”

Both Bou Rached and Al-Hazmi agreed that drone technology holds immense potential in helping �������� achieve its economic and technological goals.

As the industry matures, drones are expected to become integral to sectors such as public safety, urban planning, and energy. The integration of artificial intelligence and automation will further enhance the capabilities of drones, enabling them to handle data analysis, predictive maintenance, and autonomous operations.

“In the energy sector, drones inspect pipelines, power lines, and conduct environmental assessments, enhancing safety and efficiency,” said Al-Hazmi. “Drones assist farmers by monitoring crop health, optimizing water use, and promoting sustainable farming practices. Drones will also play a critical role in the development of ��������’s smart cities, including NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Giga projects on the Red Sea.”

A bright future for drone technology

As �������� moves toward its Vision 2030 objectives, drones are becoming a driving force for innovation and efficiency across key sectors. While challenges remain, the Kingdom’s commitment to developing a drone-friendly regulatory environment and fostering private-sector collaboration signals a promising future for the industry.

Both Bou Rached and Alhazmi are confident ��������’s drone industry is poised for rapid growth, with the potential to lead not only in the Middle East but globally.

“The next decade could see drones becoming an integral part of key industries and economic evolution in ��������,” Bou Rached said.

With continued regulatory reforms and strategic investments, �������� is well-positioned to harness the full potential of drone technology as a key enabler of Vision 2030’s economic transformation.