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

McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
Integral to Rolls-Royce's £140 million investment at its Derby site, the new facility will support future growth of the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector and strengthen its aerospace and sovereign defence capability.
Manchester Airport opens new hi-tech sensory zone for autistic and neurodivergent passengers
Manchester Airport hi-tech sensory zone in T2
Manchester Airport opens new hi-tech sensory zone for autistic and neurodivergent passengers
The new Sunflower Room provides sensory and quiet spaces designed to support autistic and other neurodivergent passengers, as well as people with non-visible disabilities and additional assistance needs.
Aerospace

5 Oct 2026

Certo Aerospace raises £5m to accelerate Capstone heavy-lift UAS
Capstone heavy-lift uncrewed aircraft
Certo Aerospace raises £5m to accelerate Capstone heavy-lift UAS
Certo Aerospace has secured £5m to expand operations in Somerset and Wiltshire and move its Capstone heavy-lift UAS closer to service.
Aerospace Defence

5 Oct 2026

McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
Integral to Rolls-Royce's £140 million investment at its Derby site, the new facility will support future growth of the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector and strengthen its aerospace and sovereign defence capability.
Certo Aerospace raises £5m to accelerate Capstone heavy-lift UAS
Capstone heavy-lift uncrewed aircraft
Certo Aerospace raises £5m to accelerate Capstone heavy-lift UAS
Certo Aerospace has secured £5m to expand operations in Somerset and Wiltshire and move its Capstone heavy-lift UAS closer to service.
Aerospace Defence

5 Oct 2026

US withdraws B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford amid “new threats”
USAF B-1B Lancer at RAF Fairford
US withdraws B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford amid “new threats”
The US has withdrawn its B-1B Lancer bombers from RAF Fairford amid security concerns following an alleged Iran-linked plot targeting the base.
Defence

5 Oct 2026

World Space Week: How British technology will help ESA return to the Moon
ESA Argonaut
World Space Week: How British technology will help ESA return to the Moon
As Europe prepares to return to the Moon, British-developed LEIA LiDAR technology will help ESA's Argonaut lander autonomously identify safe touchdown zones on the lunar surface.
Space

5 Oct 2026

Airbus delivers first next-generation satellites for OneWeb constellation
OneWeb satellites in transport container at Airbus
Airbus delivers first next-generation satellites for OneWeb constellation
A new generation of OneWeb spacecraft is heading for launch, helping Eutelsat sustain and expand its low Earth orbit connectivity network for governments, businesses and institutions worldwide.
Member News Space

5 Oct 2026

Serco’s NadirEO to provide operational insights from Earth Observation data
Serco’s NadirEO to provide operational insights from Earth Observation data
The new NadirEO platform turns Earth Observation data into operational insight, bringing together multiple data sources, analytics and specialist partners to help organisations assess risk, monitor assets and make evidence-based decisions.
Member News Space

4 Oct 2026

New report names UK as Europe’s most targeted country for state-backed cyberattacks
Lockheed martin cybersecurity
New report names UK as Europe’s most targeted country for state-backed cyberattacks
Microsoft’s latest Digital Defence Report warns that AI is accelerating cyber threats, while hostile states increasingly target critical infrastructure and essential services across the UK.
Security

5 Oct 2026

HMP Addiewell becomes first Scottish prison to launch secure digital learning for prisoners 
James Tweed
HMP Addiewell becomes first Scottish prison to launch secure digital learning for prisoners 
The introduction of digital learning at HMP Addiewell makes it the first prison in Scotland to provide secure Coracle laptops and tech training to prisoners.
Member News Security

5 Oct 2026

Cohort appoints Richard Mills as Group Strategy Director
Richard Mills
Cohort appoints Richard Mills as Group Strategy Director
Former Boeing executive Richard Mills will lead the growth strategy of Cohort and its seven subsidiaries which specialise in defence and security technology across the UK, Germany, Portugal and Australia.