UAE & Saudi Arabia Small UAV Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2023-2030)

The Small UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) market refers to the market for unmanned aerial vehicles that are relatively small in size and are used for a variety of applications such as military, commercial, and civilian purposes. Small UAVs are typically classified as weighing less than 55 pounds (25 kilograms) and are also known as drones or quadcopters. The market for small UAVs has grown rapidly in recent years due to advancements in technology, increased demand for aerial surveillance and imaging, and the development of new applications such as drone delivery and precision agriculture. The market includes a range of players, including manufacturers, service providers, and software developers, and is projected to continue to grow in the coming years as new use cases for small UAVs are discovered and developed.

The UAE & Saudi Arabia Small UAV Market is expected to grow at a steady rate of around 15% owing to increasing use for commercial and civilian applications such as aerial photography, mapping, surveying, monitoring, and inspections. Major companies in the market offer Small UAVs for military and defence applications with technologically advanced features. In 2021, the UAE-based company, Edge, unveiled its small UAV, called the "QX" drone. The QX is designed for both civilian and military applications, offering advanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities

Based on wing type, the market is bifurcated into fixed ring and rotary ring. The fixed ring held a significant share of the market in 2022. The fixed wing segment held a significant share of the market in 2022. Fixed-wing UAVs are known for their higher energy efficiency compared to other types such as multi-rotor drones. This efficiency allows for longer flight times and greater range, making fixed-wing UAVs suitable for applications that require extended aerial surveillance, mapping, or delivery missions.

Based on size, the market is segmented into micro, mini, and nano. A micro segment within the small UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) market refers to a specific category of drones that are designed to be compact, lightweight, and easily maneuverable. These small drones are typically used for short-range missions and are equipped with various features and capabilities to cater to specific niches or industries.

Based on application, the small UAV market has been classified into military and law enforcement, and civil and commercial. The commercial and civil segment of the UAE & Saudi Arabia small UAV market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to a number of factors. One of the main drivers of this growth is the increasing use of drones in a wide range of industries, including agriculture, construction, and transportation. For example, drones can be used to monitor crops, survey construction sites, and inspect infrastructure such as bridges and pipelines. In addition, recent developments in drone technology have made it easier and more affordable for businesses to incorporate drones into their operations. For example, advances in battery technology have extended flight times, while improvements in sensors and software have made drones more reliable and easier to operate.

For a better understanding of the market adoption of the small UAV industry, the market is analyzed based on its presence in UAE and Saudi Arabia. The small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has witnessed significant growth and presents numerous opportunities for both local and international players. Small UAVs, also known as drones, have gained popularity across various sectors, including agriculture, construction, oil and gas, telecommunications, and military applications. One of the key drivers of the small UAV market in the UAE is the government's efforts to promote innovation and technology adoption. The UAE has been proactive in implementing regulations and guidelines for UAV usage, which has created a conducive environment for the industry to thrive. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has laid out clear rules and regulations for operating small UAVs, ensuring safety and security in the airspace. The agriculture sector in the UAE has been an early adopter of small UAVs for crop monitoring, precision agriculture, and spraying activities. These drones enable farmers to collect data on crop health, pest infestations, and yield predictions, improving overall productivity and efficiency. The construction industry has also embraced small UAVs for site monitoring, mapping, and 3D modeling, allowing for better project management and reduced costs.

Some of the major players operating in the market include: DJI; Northrop Grumman; FEDS; Al Seer Marine; EDGE PJSC Group; Artrabia; SAMI Advanced Electronics; Aero Smart Drones; Microavia, LLC; and Thales.