IQPC Middle East and Drones Oman conference have compiled a white paper, stating that the Middle East will likely catch up to the rest of the world in driving UAV technology, particularly in the small drone market
Due to the rapid urbanising, technologically-adaptable young population in Middle East today, drones are "beginning to fit int o the region's future plans for the creation of smart cities, improved logistical capacities and better, smarter infrastructure," according to the white paper released by IQPC Middle East in association with Drones Oman conference which is taking place in February 2017.
There have been reasons for the Middle East to be cautious and slower to take up the adoption of UAV driven technology. Several governments in the region, including Abu Dhabi and Oman, have implemented bans and sanctions in response to privacy, air space safety and security concerns. New regulatory guidance, according to the paper, is making the "smooth integration of drones into the fabric of everyday life" more likely than in previous years.
A likely application of cutting edge drone technology is to inspect live flares in key oilfield locations. This was highlighted in the paper as part of Oman's applications could extend to their oil interests.
“The agility and manoeuvrability of the drones being used for this purpose means that they are capable of making such inspections much more quickly, efficiently and safely than relying on human engineering staff to physically conduct the inspections themselves,” says the paper.
“Thanks to the advanced computing capabilities of systems connected through mobile and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, drones will be able to significantly boost the logistical capabilities of smart city systems. From carrying out monitoring tasks, remote inspections and repair works to city infrastructure, to delivering medical supplies to hospitals and citizens’ homes, the potential applications of UAV in the smart cities of Oman’s future are near limitless,” says the paper.
Drones Oman will include workshops and live demonstrations in Muscat, Oman on 27 - 28 February 2017. The key message of the event is integrating drones into the commercial airspace. More information on the event can be found on its website here.
