Market Trends of GCC Drones Industry
The Construction Segment is Expected to Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period
From overseeing land surveillance during the construction's inception to conducting on-site visual inspections of high-risk areas, drones have become pivotal in the construction industry for communication and management. They offer a bird's-eye view, aiding site managers in making informed decisions and enhancing operational efficiency. With GCC nations eyeing significant economic and social transformations, they have earmarked nearly USD 1 trillion for megaproject investments.
The GCC is currently witnessing the development of 30 real estate megaprojects, all slated for completion within this decade. Consequently, many regional construction firms and real estate developers embrace drone technology. Notably, drones are crucial in minimizing manual inspections, reducing human contact at sites, and ensuring workforce safety.
Highlighting this trend, in October 2023, ADNOC partnered with EDGE Group PJSC. This collaboration paved the way for ADNOC and EDGE's autonomous systems division, ADASI, to forge a commercial agreement. This agreement focuses on deploying specialized drones for greenhouse gas leak detection and detailed site asset inspections. Such initiatives are poised to propel the market in the coming years.
The United Arab Emirates is Expected to Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has positioned itself as a key player in the region, with a rising demand for drone technology. As industries increasingly recognize the advantages of drones, their adoption is set to surge. To cater to this escalating demand, the private sector and the government are gearing up to invest in R&D, regulatory frameworks, and local drone production. Moreover, many companies are forming strategic alliances, spanning industries like drone-based cargo delivery, oil and gas, and beyond, to capitalize on the nation's market potential. A prime example is the collaboration between Dronamics, a cargo drone airline, and the UAE's Strategic Development Fund (SDF) in November 2023, which culminated in a joint venture (JV) to manufacture Black Swan cargo drones. This JV is slated to establish a production plant for the Black Swan aircraft, with operations commencing in the Emirates by 2025.
Similarly, in October 2023, Emirates Post Group (EPG) and SkyGo, an aerial logistics provider, sealed a deal to introduce drone-powered logistics and delivery services in Abu Dhabi. This move aligns with EPG's vision of a future where drone-powered services revolutionize last-mile logistics, offering speed, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
Highlighting its commitment to drone innovation, the country witnessed Dubai Future Labs (DFF) and Emirati tech firm Eanan join forces in November 2023. Under this partnership, Dubai Future Labs, a DFF subsidiary, may bolster several of Eanan's pioneering drone projects. The overarching goal is to elevate drone applications in transport and shipping, solidifying the United Arab Emirates' global standing as a hub for testing and deploying cutting-edge technologies.
