Omani Startup Aims to Onboard 5,000 Drone Pilots: What This Means for Business Growth and Investment Opportunities in Oman
MUSCAT, JULY 28 — Omani drone startup SERB, supported by the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) through Future Fund Oman (FFO), is set to onboard 5,000 drone pilots as part of its vision to establish a comprehensive drone management ecosystem in the Sultanate.
As one of the leading drone service providers in Oman, SERB is collaborating with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to develop and operate the ‘SERB Platform,’ a centralized system for drone registration and management. Officially launched by the CAA on January 28, 2025, the platform aims to improve air navigation safety, regulate drone operations, and streamline permit issuance for drone pilots.
On the platform’s first anniversary, FFO emphasized its partnership with SERB as an exemplar of impactful economic development. “SERB is at the forefront of transforming drone management in Oman. With the backing of FFO and strategic cooperation with the Civil Aviation Authority, SERB is closely aligned with Oman Vision 2040—promoting airspace safety, advancing drone technology innovation, and supporting widespread drone utilization across the economy,” stated FFO in an Impact Report prepared by Oxford Business Group.
To support skill development and industry expansion, SERB plans to initially onboard approximately 5,000 drone pilots. It has also initiated collaboration with 13 government entities to establish the regulatory framework for the platform. Once fully operational, the SERB Platform will offer services such as safe zone identification for authorized drone activities, a registration portal to facilitate drone registration and permit acquisition, air traffic management to ensure safe integration with existing airspace, and environmental compliance mechanisms to protect people, property, and the environment.
Looking forward, SERB aspires to expand into regional markets including Abu Dhabi, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The company aims to partner with key players in drone delivery, enhance the platform’s capabilities, and position itself as a leader in technological innovation and ecosystem development, FFO added.
The drone industry in Oman has gained strong momentum in recent years, attracting investments worth tens of millions of dollars. Numerous startups and tech companies have emerged, specializing in aerial inspection, precision agriculture, logistics, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure surveying. Increasingly, government ministries, oilfield operators, and logistics firms are collaborating with local drone companies to introduce innovative applications—such as pesticide-spraying drones in date farms.
Regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), have implemented technical standards and frameworks to stimulate sector innovation. The growing drone ecosystem also supports youth entrepreneurship and the integration of advanced technologies, such as AI-driven logistics and smart agriculture, into Oman’s national development plans.
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Oman’s strategic investment in SERB, supported by the Oman Investment Authority and Future Fund Oman, positions the Sultanate as a regional leader in drone ecosystem innovation and regulation, creating significant opportunities for businesses in sectors like logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure. Smart investors should consider the expanding regulatory framework and partnerships, which mitigate operational risks while unlocking new markets and technology integration, especially as SERB plans regional expansion and large-scale pilot onboarding. This initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040, signaling strong government backing for drone-based tech growth and talent development, making it a pivotal moment for entrepreneurs to leverage emerging drone technologies and services.
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