380 licensed commercial drone companies in Dubai

The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority revealed that Dubai hosts more than 380 licensed companies working in the field of commercial drones, while the number of registered commercial aircraft has reached more than 1,200 aircraft, stressing that it is working to develop regulatory systems and operational procedures to keep pace with the growth in the sector.

Yesterday, on the sidelines of the “Transformation in Aviation Safety 2025” conference, the authority confirmed that it is working to implement the concept of change management as an essential part of the safety management system, by identifying the partners concerned with each new project or emerging technology, explaining that the goal of the conference is to reduce the element of surprise in dealing with new technology through early preparation and setting future plans.

Accelerated growth

In detail, the Director of the Airport and Aviation Safety Department at the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Ahmed Salem Al Sabri, said that the Emirate of Dubai continues to consolidate its position as one of the world’s leading cities in regulating and operating unmanned aircraft systems, thanks to an advanced legislative structure and an integrated operational system that supports the safe and sustainable use of this advanced technology.

Al-Sabri added in statements on the sidelines of the “Transformation in Aviation Safety 2025” conference, which began in Dubai yesterday, that the total number of operations carried out by drones in Dubai exceeded 7,200 operations during the last period, which reflects the rapid growth in this vital sector, which is witnessing a major expansion in the fields of logistics services, aerial photography, surveillance, and smart applications.

He stated that Dubai has become home to an active business environment that includes more than 380 licensed companies working in the field of commercial drones, which enhances investment and innovation opportunities in this field, noting that the number of registered commercial aircraft has reached more than 1,200 aircraft, and the number of registered non-commercial aircraft has also reached about 1,200 aircraft, which reflects the diversity of uses between commercial purposes and recreational hobbies.

Al-Sabri said that these numbers represent clear evidence of the success of Dubai’s vision in achieving a balance between technological development and ensuring the highest standards of air safety, stressing that the authority is constantly working to develop the regulatory systems and operational procedures that keep pace with this growth, and at the same time provide a safe and innovative environment that keeps pace with the emirate’s trends towards smart transformation.

The element of surprise

Al-Sabri stated that the “Transformation in Aviation Safety 2025” conference, which is organized by the Authority over two days, is the first of its kind, and aims to transfer knowledge and exchange experiences about the latest developments in the aviation sector, especially in the field of safety. He pointed out that the conference comes at a time when the world is witnessing a noticeable increase in the use of modern technologies, such as drones and passenger transport operations via self-driving aircraft and flying taxis, which are Emerging technologies may hold great opportunities, but at the same time they pose new challenges in aviation safety.

He explained that the goal of the conference is to reduce the element of surprise in dealing with new technology through early preparation and setting future plans, ensuring Dubai’s readiness to embrace the economic growth associated with modern means of air transportation, pointing out that the conference is distinguished from others by its focus on applied and training aspects.

He added that each workshop held on the sidelines of the conference is designed to be a unique opportunity, at the end of which participants receive an approved certificate of attendance.

Al-Sabri stated that the scientific program of the conference addresses multiple topics, including the safety management system issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization, and how to automate procedures to comply with international requirements, in addition to discussing the optimal use of airspace in light of the expansion of operating entities, including drones and autonomous air transport operators.

Change management

He said that the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority is working to implement the concept of Management of Change as an essential part of the safety management system, by identifying the partners concerned with each new project or emerging technology, noting that the specialized work teams are currently working on integrated plans to restructure the airspace and modernize the routes in coordination with the strategic partners, in a way that ensures the desired integration.

Al-Sabri stated that the Authority is also working to anticipate the future of urban air transport, pointing out that the “flying taxi” project in Dubai is one of the most prominent ambitious projects being implemented, in cooperation with the Roads and Transport Authority and a number of strategic partners.

He stressed that “talking about licenses or dates for commercial operation is subject to special regulatory channels, but it can be said that work is underway at an advanced pace to ensure that commercial operation is safe and compatible with the highest safety standards.”