General Atomics

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

Major drone incident could shut UK airport within five years, expert warns
Drone flying near commercial airplane
Major drone incident could shut UK airport within five years, expert warns
A major drone incident is “almost certain” to close a UK airport for a prolonged period within the next five years, according to a senior counter-UAS industry expert.
Aerospace Magazine

16 Oct 2026

Royal Navy deploys Merlin HM2 helicopters to protect UK nuclear deterrent
Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
Royal Navy deploys Merlin HM2 helicopters to protect UK nuclear deterrent
The Royal Navy has deployed four Merlin HM2s to Scotland to rehearse nuclear deterrent protection and demonstrate the helicopter’s advanced ASW capabilities.
Aerospace Defence

16 Oct 2026

Airport chiefs urge government to tackle business rates
Manchester Airport
Airport chiefs urge government to tackle business rates
AirportsUK chair Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith has warned rising costs risk holding back future investment.
Aerospace

15 Oct 2026

BAE Systems to design satellite comms terminals for US Space Force
Satellite
BAE Systems to design satellite comms terminals for US Space Force
Building on its space-hardened family of software-defined radios, BAE Systems will develop resilient ultra-compact radio-frequency (RF) terminals for the US Space Force.
Defence Member News

16 Oct 2026

North Defence, Strongs launch joint venture ahead of British Army LMV competition
Image: North Defence
North Defence, Strongs launch joint venture ahead of British Army LMV competition
North Defence and Strongs have formed a UK manufacturing joint venture to support the LMV MKIII as the British Army’s £2bn LMV competition intensifies.
Defence

16 Oct 2026

UK Armed Forces dig in with new construction equipment
JCB equipment
UK Armed Forces dig in with new construction equipment
A £26 million investment in new construction and earth moving equipment is set to modernise the UK Armed Forces’ operational fleet for building new roads and bases.
Defence

16 Oct 2026

Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
ALL.SPACE Hydra
Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
Viasat has placed an order for multiple ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX terminals approved to operate on Viasat's global NextGen Ka-band network, providing resilient SATCOM connectivity for defence and government users.
Defence Member News Space

15 Oct 2026

Cornwall Space Cluster launches £15k legal support programme for space SMEs
Goonhilly satellite near Cornwall Space Cluster
Cornwall Space Cluster launches £15k legal support programme for space SMEs
Cornwall Space Cluster has partnered with Stephens Scown to offer specialist legal advice to space businesses, helping them protect intellectual property, prepare for investment and support future growth.
Space

15 Oct 2026

ClearSpace selected to deliver UK’s first active debris removal mission
ClearSpace removing space debris
ClearSpace selected to deliver UK’s first active debris removal mission
The UK-led programme will remove two defunct satellites while creating specialist jobs, supporting supply chains and building capability in the growing in-orbit services sector.
Space

15 Oct 2026

Police officers risk accidental AI misconduct, watchdog warns
National Police Chiefs Council photo of police on duty
Police officers risk accidental AI misconduct, watchdog warns
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has warned that officers and staff risk misconduct investigations for inappropriate AI use.
Security

16 Oct 2026

NAD and CDS want accelerated capability as DSEI UK 27 launched
NAD and CDS launch DSEI UK 27
NAD and CDS want accelerated capability as DSEI UK 27 launched
As the National Armaments Director (NAD) and the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) launched DSEI UK 2027 yesterday, they said faster capability delivery, greater innovation and improved readiness are required to ensure the UK and its allies are suitably prepared for any future conflict.
Warwickshire Police turns to AI to review the quality of investigations
Chat with AI or Artificial Intelligence technology. Man touching chatting virtual with an intelligent artificial intelligence asks for the answers he wants. Smart assistant futuristic, Chatbot,
Warwickshire Police turns to AI to review the quality of investigations
An eight-agent system checks investigation records against policing standards, with officers retaining responsibility for decisions.
Security

14 Oct 2026