Muscat – The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), in collaboration with SIRB Company, has officially launched the ‘Sirb Platform’, the first electronic system in the Sultanate of Oman dedicated to the regulation and management of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones.

The inauguration ceremony was held under the patronage of Sayyid Dr Kamil bin Fahd al Said, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, in the presence of senior officials, aviation sector specialists, and drone enthusiasts.

Enhancing drone regulation and airspace management

The Sirb Platform has been developed to facilitate the registration of amateur drone operators, streamline licensing processes, and ensure compliance with aviation regulations. The system provides a mechanism for recording operators’ data and grants licences following the completion of a basic knowledge test. Additionally, it designates authorised flying zones in coordination with military and security authorities, thereby ensuring safe and regulated drone operations.

Speaking at the launch, H E Eng. Naif bin Ali al Abri, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, stated:
“The introduction of the Sirb digital platform marks a significant milestone in Oman’s aviation sector. It is the first platform in the Middle East designed to manage drone air traffic and is the result of over four years of collaboration between government entities and an Omani team. This initiative will support the growth of the drone sector and enhance its integration into various industries.”

Facilitating growth in the Drone sector

Malik bin Mohammed al Nabhani, co-founder and CEO of Sirb, provided an overview of the platform, highlighting its role in streamlining drone registration and licensing. He noted that the platform will provide detailed guidance on permitted and restricted flight zones, contributing to the safe and structured development of the drone industry in Oman.

Licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority in 2024, the Sirb Platform is the first digital system of its kind in Oman. It is expected to enhance regulatory oversight, support technological advancements, and facilitate the responsible use of drones across various sectors.

This initiative reflects Oman’s commitment to embracing innovation in aviation while ensuring the safe and efficient integration of drone technology into national airspace.