| Study Period | 2020 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 324.40 Million |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 589 Million |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 12.67 % |
| Market Concentration | High |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
GCC Drone Pilot Training Market Analysis
The GCC Drone Pilot Training Market size is estimated at USD 324.40 million in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 589 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 12.67% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Technological advancements, government initiatives, and a growing array of applications across various sectors propel the GCC drone pilot training market into a significant growth phase. As the demand for certified drone operators surges in the region, local and international providers are vying to fill the gap. With countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE rolling out ambitious plans—such as Saudi Vision 2030—there's a pronounced emphasis on weaving technology and drones into vital sectors, from infrastructure and environmental monitoring to security.
Projects like NEOM, the Line, and other expansive urban developments underscore this trend, highlighting the need for drones in surveying, monitoring, and construction. In nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where drones play a pivotal role in military operations, there's a heightened demand for specialized pilot training, especially for UAVs tailored for reconnaissance and surveillance. This burgeoning demand spans diverse industries, including agriculture, construction, defense, oil and gas, and logistics, fueling the rapid expansion of the GCC's drone pilot training market.
GCC Drone Pilot Training Market Trends
In-person Training Segment Will Lead The Market
The demand for in-person drone pilot training in the GCC region is rising, driven by several factors across various sectors. Countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are leading the region in the use of drones, especially in industries like construction, agriculture, energy, and law enforcement. The need for skilled drone pilots has surged due to the increased deployment of drones for site surveying, infrastructure inspection, precision farming, and public safety operations.
The expansion of drone-based services and government support for commercial drones fuel this demand. Partnerships between local companies and global drone manufacturers also contribute to the growing need for trained pilots, especially as regulatory frameworks are established in the region. With drones playing a significant role in civilian and military applications, the opportunity for certified drone pilots is expected to grow, offering promising career paths and competitive compensation across various sectors.
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Saudi Arabia Anticipated to Witness the Highest Growth During the Forecast Period
Demand for drone pilot training in Saudi Arabia is on the rise, driven by the country’s increasing adoption of drones across multiple industries. Sectors such as agriculture, construction, mining, oil and gas, and logistics rely more on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for efficiency and innovation. This shift is key to the country’s Vision 2030, emphasizing technological advancements and digital transformation to support national growth. In addition, the growing military expenditure of the country is also adding to the demand for drones, further adding to the demand for drone pilots.
The Saudi AI and Drone Exhibition and Forum (SAADEF), to be held in Riyadh, is one of the key platforms showcasing drone technologies and solutions. It highlights the growing need for skilled drone operators. Programs like the DJI Academy in Saudi Arabia are designed to fulfill the demand by offering comprehensive drone training, including inspection, mapping, and safety applications.
Additionally, the defense and security sectors have significantly contributed to this demand, with the Saudi government investing in UAS development for civilian and military purposes. Institutions like the Prince Sultan Defense Studies and Research Center (PSDSRC) are actively developing new UAV technologies, further boosting the need for well-trained drone operators. Such developments drive the market growth across the country.
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GCC Drone Pilot Training Industry Overview
The GCC drone pilot training market is consolidated. Some key players in the market are UAV Coach, Global Drone Solutions, Drone Destination Limited, DARTDrones LLC, and SkyOp LLC. The GCC is seeing a rapid evolution in drone pilot training, with local and international players competing to address the growing needs of various sectors. Global leaders such as DJI and other UAV manufacturers are entering the market, often in partnership with local entities. DJI, for example, operates academies in the region, offering standardized drone training across various industries. Several emerging local training providers include government-backed institutions and private academies.
These institutions offer customized training programs to meet the needs of regional industries like construction and logistics. Governments in GCC countries are rapidly developing regulations for drone operation, creating a need for certified pilots who can comply with these regulations. Civil aviation authorities, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have strict certification requirements, and training centers must align with these standards to be competitive. The Saudi Arabia and UAE are leaders in adopting structured regulatory frameworks, which has given rise to accredited training programs and certification pathways.
GCC Drone Pilot Training Market Leaders
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UAV Coach
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Global Drone Solutions
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Drone Destination Limited
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DARTDrones LLC
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SkyOp LLC
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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GCC Drone Pilot Training Market News
- May 2024: Archer Aviation, a company specializing in flying taxis, has partnered with Etihad Training to source and educate pilots for its Midnight electric aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Abu Dhabi and throughout the UAE.
- November 2023: UAE technology start-up Eanan Aviation introduced the first members of its planned family of eVTOL aircraft at the Dubai Airshow. The company will unveil a pair of cargo drones called the S-120 and the S-700 and present plans for larger models that could include two-seat air taxis.
GCC Drone Pilot Training Industry Segmentation
Courses and programs in drone pilot training services teach individuals how to operate drones safely and proficiently.
The GCC drone pilot training market is segmented by training type and geography. By training type, the market is segmented into in-person training and online and hybrid training. The report also covers the market sizes and forecasts for the GCC drone pilot training market in major countries across the region. For each segment, the market size is provided in terms of value (USD).
| Training Type | In-person Training |
| Online and Hybrid Training | |
| Geography | Saudi Arabia |
| United Arab Emirates | |
| Qatar | |
| Bahrain | |
| Kuwait | |
| Oman |
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GCC Drone Pilot Training Market Research Faqs
How big is the GCC Drone Pilot Training Market?
The GCC Drone Pilot Training Market size is expected to reach USD 324.40 million in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 12.67% to reach USD 589 million by 2030.
What is the current GCC Drone Pilot Training Market size?
In 2025, the GCC Drone Pilot Training Market size is expected to reach USD 324.40 million.
Who are the key players in GCC Drone Pilot Training Market?
UAV Coach, Global Drone Solutions, Drone Destination Limited, DARTDrones LLC and SkyOp LLC are the major companies operating in the GCC Drone Pilot Training Market.
What years does this GCC Drone Pilot Training Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the GCC Drone Pilot Training Market size was estimated at USD 283.30 million. The report covers the GCC Drone Pilot Training Market historical market size for years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the GCC Drone Pilot Training Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
GCC Drone Pilot Training Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 GCC Drone Pilot Training market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. GCC Drone Pilot Training analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
