155 New Green Zones for Drone Flying in Oman: Unlocking Opportunities for Tourism and Investment
MUSCAT: Omani drone startup Serb, which manages the country’s Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) platform for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), has announced the designation of 155 tourist locations across the Sultanate of Oman as ‘green zones’. These areas are deemed safe for drone flying, catering to both visiting tourists and enthusiasts.
This initiative is expected to boost Oman’s allure for the increasing number of international travelers who seek to capture stunning aerial views that traditional cameras cannot provide. Experts highlight that using drones allows travelers to create immersive content—ranging from panoramic videos to cinematic reels—ideal for social media and personal travel diaries. Additionally, drones enable visitors to appreciate the geographic scale of their surroundings while planning routes and exploring safely from above.
In a recent announcement, Serb stated, “Oman opens its skies to visitors.” The Muscat-based company, supported by the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) through the Future Fund Oman (FFO), noted that tourists can now legally bring their drones into Oman. With Serb’s AirPass, visitors can register, obtain licenses, and fly in designated green zones easily and safely. This development merges tourism with technology, allowing travelers to capture the scenic beauty of Oman from the sky while remaining compliant with local regulations.
Tourists intending to visit Oman with drones can apply for an AirPass through Serb’s digital platform. This package includes a drone license, an authorization letter for drone importation, access to flight zones, and certification for safety training. Muscat and Salalah International Airports have been equipped to accommodate drone enthusiasts who possess an AirPass obtained via the Serb platform.
Notably, among the 155 designated green zones are picturesque locations in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, Ras Al Hadd, and Salalah, alongside other natural, historical, and geological sites. Authorities are currently vetting several hundred additional candidate sites to expand this list further.
Launched earlier this year, the Serb platform aims to enhance air navigation safety, regulate drone use, and streamline the permitting process for operators. This initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040 by promoting innovation in drone technology and fostering broader application of drones throughout the economy.
To support this initiative, Serb plans to onboard approximately 5,000 drone pilots initially, aiding in the development of a comprehensive drone management ecosystem in Oman. The startup is collaborating with 13 government entities to establish the necessary regulatory framework for the platform. Once fully operational, the platform will provide various services, including safe zone identification for drone operators, a simplified registration portal, air traffic management capabilities to ensure safe integration into airspace, and compliance with environmental protection standards to maintain safety for people, property, and the natural environment.
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Oman’s designation of 155 tourist locations as ‘green zones’ for drone flying significantly enhances the nation’s appeal to international visitors and positions it as a drone-friendly travel destination. This initiative creates new opportunities for local businesses in tourism and tech, enabling entrepreneurs to capitalize on the burgeoning market of drone-related services and experiences. Investors should consider the synergy between tourism and technology, as well as potential partnerships with the Omani government and startups like Serb that are set to shape the future of drone management infrastructure.
