Skyports Drone Services enters Saudi Arabia with proof-of-concept for giga-projects

Skyports Drone Services is making its first entry into the Saudi Arabian market through a strategic collaboration with iot squared, a joint venture between Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and national telecom company stc group. The partnership will leverage Skyports’ expertise in beyond visual line of sight operations for a proof-of-concept exploring the integration of drone technology into Saudi Arabia’s large-scale infrastructure and real estate developments, known as giga-projects. In addition, Skyports will help establish a BVLOS-friendly ecosystem to accelerate the expansion of drone operations across the country. This includes developing iot squared’s remote command and control centre.

The proof-of-concept will demonstrate how drone services can contribute to more sustainable transport solutions while enabling faster, more efficient operations. By showcasing real-world applications, the initiative aims to set the foundation for widespread adoption of drone technology across Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects.

Skyports has a strong track record of successful drone service implementations across multiple industries, including medical, maritime, energy, and infrastructure. The company has previously partnered with major organisations such as Royal Mail, Equinor and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. This experience positions Skyports as a key enabler in advancing Saudi Arabia’s smart infrastructure and mobility solutions through the implementation of on demand, highly automated cargo deliveries.

As the project progresses, Skyports and iot squared will explore further opportunities to scale drone operations across Saudi Arabia’s ongoing and upcoming giga-projects.

Daniel O’Neill, General Manager, Middle East, at Skyports commented: “With its strong focus on innovative infrastructure and mobility, Saudi Arabia has long been a key target market for us. The efforts of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services have fostered a progressive regulatory environment that has been instrumental in unlocking the drone operations for the country. We’re excited to work alongside iot squared and bring our expertise in inter-island drone delivery to Saudi Arabia, demonstrating how drone technology can enhance efficiency and connectivity for world-renowned giga-projects.”

Othman Aldahash, iot squared CEO, said: Our partnership with Skyports reinforces iot squared’s position as a key player in IoT and drone-enabled solutions. By focusing on complex operations in remote and offshore locations, we’re addressing critical missions that demand high precision and where traditional methods are often expensive or inefficient. Together, we aim to deliver impactful, cost-effective alternatives that redefine operational excellence in key sectors.