The UAE is set to host the Middle East’s largest drone exhibition at the 35th Gitex Technology Week in Dubai later this year.
A selection of some of the 800 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles from 57 different countries that took part in this year’s inaugural UAE Drones for Good competition will be featured at the tech exhibition from October 18-22.
These will include some of the competitions’ winners and leading drone manufactures.
“The inaugural winners of the Drones for Good competition demonstrated how drone technology can improve people’s lives and solve issues through technology,” said Saif Al Aleeli, award coordinator for the competition.
A Swiss team’s collision-proof search-and-rescue drone won the US$1 million (Dh3.67m) first prize in the international category last February.
Other finalists included NYU Abu Dhabi’s Wadi Drone that collects data to be used for wildlife conservation and environmental protection as well as Dubai Police’s Sanad, a drone designed to save lives, particularly at beaches, by being able to lift 40-50 kg of weight.
The detection of landmines in former conflict zones, giving archaeology buffs a better look at digging sites and helping to redevelop slums were examples of other participating drones’ uses.
“From government agencies to agriculture companies and retailers, every sector is set to be impacted by commercial drones in the near future,” said Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president of exhibitions and events management at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Applications are now being accepted for the second Drones for Good competition, which will be held in February and will include a Dh1m first prize in the national category alongside the US$1m awarded to the top international prize.
tsubaihi@thenational.ae
