How to start a drone company in Dubai

Drones might have started life as a novelty toy, but they’ve quickly developed to become an integral asset for many industries. From agriculture and construction to real estate and tourism, industries across the globe rely on them to access remote locations and difficult terrain – and the industry is set to soar thanks to continuous improvements in technology and drone-friendly regulatory environments. In Dubai, the picture is just as promising. If you’re considering starting a drone company in Dubai but don’t know where to begin, this article should help. We will explore:

• What is a drone company?
• How to start a drone company in Dubai: Step-by-step
• Benefits of starting a drone company in Dubai
• Cost of starting a drone company in Dubai
• How to scale a drone company in Dubai
• Why choose Dtec?

What is a drone company?

A drone company specialises in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), more commonly known as drones. The most common use of drones is to film or observe hard-to-reach places, such as the roof of a building. They are commonly used to survey large areas of ground, making them popular in agriculture and real estate industries. Drones are also becoming more popular for aerial photography and videography, particularly in the tourism, hospitality and wedding industries.

How to start a drone company in Dubai: Step-by-step

Step 1: Research the local industry and market demand

If you’re considering starting a drone company, you likely have a lot of knowledge about drones, but is it specific to Dubai? Before launching, make sure you thoroughly research the market.  While the global drone market is poised to expand significantly, figures vary from region to region, depending on local technological advancements, regulatory support and logistics. Identify markets in Dubai that are increasingly reliant on drones, such as real estate and agriculture, and find a niche early on. A deep understanding of the landscape – including demand, competition and potential clients – will help you tailor your services and prices.

Step 2: Get your licenses

The regulatory environment in the UAE is slightly different to elsewhere, so it’s important to research specific laws around drone operations. In Dubai, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) manages specific regulations around drone operations.  To run your drone business legally, you will need an operator permit, which involves passing a training course. You may also need to apply for specific permits operating in restricted areas. Make sure you have a good understanding of the laws that apply to commercial drone use.

Step 3: Purchase your equipment

Invest in high-quality drones and accessories to give your business the best chance of success. You might want to consider investing in equipment that will allow you to offer specialised services, like surveying.

Step 4: Start networking and marketing

Relationships are key to success in Dubai. Fortunately, there are hundreds of networking events, industry conferences, workshops and expos held every year in Dubai, offering plenty of opportunities to meet potential clients, investors and partners. Establishing a solid reputation early on, bolstered by strong partnerships, will help secure repeat business too.

When it comes to marketing, you’ll need to establish a strong online presence, with a website, active social media and regular thought leadership content to position your business as a leading authority in the field.

There’s no need to do it all on your own though. From advice on licensing to marketing, Dtec is designed to ensure you have everything you need to set up a successful business in Dubai.

Benefits of starting a drone company in Dubai

The drone industry is poised for rapid expansion all across the globe, but Dubai offers several standout advantages for entrepreneurs including:

Access to cutting-edge technology and infrastructure

Dubai is a global leader in technological innovation and, as the largest technological ecosystem in the Middle East, Dtec is the ideal location to launch your business. The city is home to some of the world’s tallest buildings and landscapes, as well as rapidly expanding construction projects, all of which demand a diverse range of drone equipment, from aerial footage and surveying to inspection services.

Government support

The UAE is highly supportive of the drone industry and has introduced a whole string of progressive policies to make it easier for drone businesses to succeed. The city has established dedicated drone testing zones and is also piloting cutting-edge drone projects, including drone-based delivery and urban air mobility for passenger transport.

Thriving industries that require drone services

Industries like tourism and real estate are booming in Dubai, providing constant demand for high-quality drone services. Aerial photography and videography for real estate are high in demand and the tourism industry frequently uses drone footage to showcase iconic landmarks and luxury resources. This means there is a continual demand for drone services tailored to these industries.

Year-round good weather

Clear skies and a dry climate are good for humans, but they’re also excellent for drone businesses. With less rain, consistent temperatures and fewer weather disruptions than other regions, drones can be used for surveying, mapping, photography and inspections all year round.

Cost of starting a drone company in Dubai

Setting up a drone company typically costs around 20,000 AED. You will need to factor in the cost of high-quality drone equipment, licensing and regulatory compliance fees (such as your operator permit), insurance, training, and any additional marketing materials.

How to scale a drone company in Dubai

Once you are getting consistent business from your drone business, you’ll need to think about scaling. This is where Dubai – and Dtec more specifically – excels. Here’s how:

Build strategic partnerships

Focusing efforts on establishing partnerships with other businesses in complementary industries like tourism and real estate can help drive business for your drone business. But how do you meet them? At Dtec, we host over 100 networking events per year, making it easier for you to connect with potential partners, collaborators, investors and clients. These connections can help provide a steadier flow of leads and referrals too.

Move into new markets.

As the gateway between East and West, Dubai is the ideal launchpad for growing your business in new markets like Africa, Europe and Asia. Expanding your offering to other regions can increase your client base and opening branch offices in different locations can be a strategic way to grow while tapping into new markets.

Invest in high-end equipment

As your business becomes more successful, you can improve service quality and efficiency by investing in more advanced drones and equipment. Higher quality apparatus tends to have longer battery life and more sophisticated sensors, allowing you to take on more complex projects and increase your prices. Software tools for other aspects of your business, like data analysis or drone fleet management, can help streamline operations and reduce costs, thereby allowing you to reach more clients without as much human assistance.

Why choose Dtec?

As the largest tech startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Middle East, Dtech is one of the best places to start up a drone company in Dubai. Designed with startups, investors and corporates in mind, we offer flexible workspaces, founder-focused startup programmes to help early-stage entrepreneurs grow and scale, and over 100 networking events every year. Home to over 1,000 startups and 70 nationalities, it is the ideal destination to build a business that thrives. From 100% business ownership to high-speed WiFI, setting up a business has never been easier. Get in touch with us today and our team of expert advisors will be happy to create a tailored solution that brings your drone business to life.