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

Skyports Drone Services (Skyports) 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 (PIF) and national telecom company stc group.



Image courtesy Skyports

The partnership will leverage Skyports’ expertise in beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) 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 said, “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 (GACA) 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."

Related

USAF relocates KC-135s and CV-22Bs from Mildenhall amid reported Iran threat
A KC-135R Stratotanker from the USAF's 100th ARW takes off from RAF Mildenhall for a mission on 21 August 2025. Image: USAF/Staff Sgt Kevin Long
USAF relocates KC-135s and CV-22Bs from Mildenhall amid reported Iran threat
The USAF has relocated 12 aircraft from RAF Mildenhall amid heightened security measures and growing concerns over new Iranian threats.
Aerospace Defence Security

10 Nov 2026

British Airways owner warns UK green fuel targets could raise air fares
BRIZE NORTON, UK: RAF Voyager aircraft being fuelled with 43% SAF from IAG/British Airways/bp at Brize Norton on 16 April 2023
British Airways owner warns UK green fuel targets could raise air fares
IAG chief executive Luis Gallego has warned that higher environmental compliance costs could feed through to air fares.
Aerospace

10 Nov 2026

IFS Cloud supports Copa Airlines’ maintenance across more than 130 aircraft
Copa Airlines maintenance hangar new opening
IFS Cloud supports Copa Airlines’ maintenance across more than 130 aircraft
IFS has migrated Copa Airlines’ maintenance operation to its hosted cloud, bringing engineering, planning and maintenance together for over 1,300 users.
Aerospace Member News

9 Nov 2026

USAF relocates KC-135s and CV-22Bs from Mildenhall amid reported Iran threat
A KC-135R Stratotanker from the USAF's 100th ARW takes off from RAF Mildenhall for a mission on 21 August 2025. Image: USAF/Staff Sgt Kevin Long
USAF relocates KC-135s and CV-22Bs from Mildenhall amid reported Iran threat
The USAF has relocated 12 aircraft from RAF Mildenhall amid heightened security measures and growing concerns over new Iranian threats.
Aerospace Defence Security

10 Nov 2026

NATO accelerates procurement for counter-drone technologies
NATO HQ
NATO accelerates procurement for counter-drone technologies
In an effort to acquire counter-drone solutions at pace, NATO has launched the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) marketplace as part of its Drone Edge initiative.
Defence Member News

10 Nov 2026

Babcock welcomes 800 early-career recruits as defence skills demands evolve
Babcock apprentices gear up for work
Babcock welcomes 800 early-career recruits as defence skills demands evolve
The intake spans traditional engineering trades and digital disciplines, supported by investment in practical training facilities including Babcock’s new Devonport Skills Centre.
Defence

9 Nov 2026

UK military satellite Titania reaches orbit as MoD trials space-threat sensors
Titania Satellite
UK military satellite Titania reaches orbit as MoD trials space-threat sensors
The UK's second ISTARI military satellite, Titania, reaches orbit as trials launch for a three-site sensor network to monitor potential threats to spacecraft.
Defence Space

9 Nov 2026

Leicester’s National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
Leicester’s National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
Following delivery of its education and outreach initiatives across the UK to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and space explorers, the National Space Centre's Discovery Team has gained national recognition by winning a prestigious Sir Arthur Clarke Award.
Member News Space

5 Nov 2026

Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Astroscale and OHB sign MoU
Astroscale and OHB to collaborate on space security
Following ratification of the Kensington Treaty in October, Astroscale and OHB have signed an MoU to enhance cooperation between the UK, Germany and Japan towards protecting critical infrastructure in space, whilst supporting the safe, sustainable and responsible use of the orbital environment.
USAF relocates KC-135s and CV-22Bs from Mildenhall amid reported Iran threat
A KC-135R Stratotanker from the USAF's 100th ARW takes off from RAF Mildenhall for a mission on 21 August 2025. Image: USAF/Staff Sgt Kevin Long
USAF relocates KC-135s and CV-22Bs from Mildenhall amid reported Iran threat
The USAF has relocated 12 aircraft from RAF Mildenhall amid heightened security measures and growing concerns over new Iranian threats.
Aerospace Defence Security

10 Nov 2026

Inside the BBC’s ‘Black Sky’ plan to keep the UK informed during a major blackout
close up of hand holding a radio in an emergency situation with a lamp and water bottle
Inside the BBC’s ‘Black Sky’ plan to keep the UK informed during a major blackout
According to a BBC report, around100 staff would operate a specially prepared emergency radio studio.
Security

10 Nov 2026

Serco certified by GCAA as UAE’s first Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting training provider
Serco certified as UAE's first Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting training provider.
Serco certified by GCAA as UAE’s first Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting training provider
Under the UAE's new national regulatory framework, Serco has been certified by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) as the first Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting training provider complying with regulatory requirements, designed to improve safety and professional operational standards across the Emirates.