Oman issues first drone air traffic licence
Published: 03:12 PM,Dec 10,2024 | EDITED : 07:12 PM,Dec 10,2024
The agreement was signed by Naif bin Ali al Abri, President of CAA, and Malik bin Mohammed al Nabhani, CEO and co-founder of SERB.
MUSCAT, DEC 10
In a major milestone for Oman’s aviation sector, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Oman has issued the country’s first licence for the registration and management of drone air traffic. The agreement was signed by Naif bin Ali al Abri, President of CAA, and Malik bin Mohammed al Nabhani, CEO and co-founder of Tahleeq Aviation Services, during the ICAO Security Week 2024 event held in Muscat.
The licence establishes a regulated framework for commercial and private drone operations in Oman, unlocking new opportunities for technological and business innovation. Speaking on the occasion, Al Nabhani expressed gratitude to the CAA for its trust and support. 'We would like to thank the Civil Aviation Authority of Oman, who believed in us and gave us the motivation. This is the first step toward unlocking business potential in drone technology,' he said. He also encouraged entrepreneurs, aviation experts, and young innovators to explore new possibilities, envisioning 'one billion flights by drones in the MENA region' while emphasising security and compliance.
The development is backed by an upcoming unmanned traffic management (UTM) system, created by SERB, an Omani tech startup. The system will allow drone owners to fly legally within designated areas, acquire flight permits, and coordinate air traffic through a web- and app-based platform. Designed in collaboration with the CAA, the system targets recreational, commercial, and enterprise users, supporting various industries, including oil and gas and telecommunications.
Meanwhile, highlighting the broader significance of ICAO Security Week, Al Abri noted the participation of nearly 800 delegates from 78 countries. 'Events like this add value by fostering networks within the aviation community,' he said.
Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the ICAO Council, praised Oman’s hospitality and reiterated the importance of global aviation partnerships established under the Chicago Convention. 'Security relies fundamentally on sharing information and supporting member states through partnerships,' he stated.
The issuance of this licence and the forthcoming UTM system position Oman as a regional leader in drone technology, paving the way for digital infrastructure growth and commercial expansion.
In a major milestone for Oman’s aviation sector, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Oman has issued the country’s first licence for the registration and management of drone air traffic. The agreement was signed by Naif bin Ali al Abri, President of CAA, and Malik bin Mohammed al Nabhani, CEO and co-founder of Tahleeq Aviation Services, during the ICAO Security Week 2024 event held in Muscat.
The licence establishes a regulated framework for commercial and private drone operations in Oman, unlocking new opportunities for technological and business innovation. Speaking on the occasion, Al Nabhani expressed gratitude to the CAA for its trust and support. 'We would like to thank the Civil Aviation Authority of Oman, who believed in us and gave us the motivation. This is the first step toward unlocking business potential in drone technology,' he said. He also encouraged entrepreneurs, aviation experts, and young innovators to explore new possibilities, envisioning 'one billion flights by drones in the MENA region' while emphasising security and compliance.
The development is backed by an upcoming unmanned traffic management (UTM) system, created by SERB, an Omani tech startup. The system will allow drone owners to fly legally within designated areas, acquire flight permits, and coordinate air traffic through a web- and app-based platform. Designed in collaboration with the CAA, the system targets recreational, commercial, and enterprise users, supporting various industries, including oil and gas and telecommunications.
Meanwhile, highlighting the broader significance of ICAO Security Week, Al Abri noted the participation of nearly 800 delegates from 78 countries. 'Events like this add value by fostering networks within the aviation community,' he said.
Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the ICAO Council, praised Oman’s hospitality and reiterated the importance of global aviation partnerships established under the Chicago Convention. 'Security relies fundamentally on sharing information and supporting member states through partnerships,' he stated.
The issuance of this licence and the forthcoming UTM system position Oman as a regional leader in drone technology, paving the way for digital infrastructure growth and commercial expansion.