UAE sets benchmark in using drones
dubai — The UAE’s relentless drive to become one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world has been a major contributor in helping it combat the spread of Covid-19, experts say.
The country’s willingness to embrace new technologies, especially drones, has been a major factor in controlling the spread of the virus and keeping residents safe, technology manufacturers noted.
“The UAE is a technology pioneer,” Rashid Al Ghurair, techpreneur and founder of CAFU, told Khaleej Times. “From smart government services, 3D printing, or drone technology, we find ourselves at the epicenter of smart city living. As the Covid-19 crisis unfolds, technology continues to become an even more essential part of our daily lives, helping us to reduce daily interactions.”
Drone technology in particular, he said, holds “huge potential” for managing crisis. “It is in times like these, we benefit the most from the vision of the UAE government. Today drones are used to not only monitor the movement of its residents for their own safety but are used to disinfect public spaces.”
Monica Suk, senior communication manager at DJI, said that the company
has been working with a number of organisations to not only implement methods proven to be effective at addressing health and safety, but also to test new methods which may have potential.
“In the UAE, we’ve seen drones used by local government entities for a range of use cases, including sterilisation techniques in Dubai, or broadcasting and monitoring measures in Sharjah. These practices are proving essential in ensuring public safety is maintained as far as possible,” she said. “We commend the collective efforts of the UAE’s government bodies and residents, who have truly united in their efforts to tackle Covid-19. Going forward, harnessing the power of technologies such as drones will continue to be crucial in ensuring that communication, visibility, and safety are maintained.”
Rabih Bou Rashid, CEO of UAE-based Falcon Eye Drones Services (FEDS), had a similar train of thought and said that drones have always been associated with safety. In the past, the technology was utilised in various methods and industries, especially by the government authorities.
“However, they have proven to be even more vital in the current scenario – filling up the gap that was left when social distancing was implemented. Drones are now acting as frontliners across the globe as they provide services on behalf of humans and help safeguard the wellbeing of health workers and residents in general. In the UAE, drones which were used to spray disinfectants in agricultural fields are now being used to disinfect the streets,” Bou Rashid said.
Today drones are used to not only monitor the movement of its residents for their own safety but are used to disinfect public spaces rashid Al ghurair Techpreneur and founder of CAFU