The UAE is reshaping how the world looks at its technological map. On one side, the country is investing heavily in clean energy and AI. On the other, it is building domestic manufacturing capabilities in advanced sectors that were once imported.
Both are part of the same larger story. The UAE is laying the foundation to become a global leader in next-generation technologies, and the launch of its first commercial drone factory is a defining step in that journey.
Leading this milestone is EANAN, a Dubai South–based company that has established the UAE’s first facility dedicated to producing advanced unmanned aerial systems entirely within the country. The significance lies not only in the technology itself but also in the broader ecosystem it fosters.
As Mishaal Al Marzooqi, Director of Business Development at EANAN, explains, nearly 85% of each drone’s components are manufactured locally. This achievement goes beyond simple assembly; it represents the development of industrial capability, technical expertise, and homegrown innovation.
Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Beyond
One of the most notable advancements has been the development of agricultural drones tailored to address challenges specific to the region. Along the Abu Dhabi coastline, these drones are used to feed fish with precision, eliminating the reliance on fuel-intensive boats.
In the mountainous terrain of Khor Fakkan, the same technology makes it possible to carry out aerial seeding in areas where conventional planting methods cannot be applied.
The Ghaith Feeder Seeder Drone, for instance, is capable of transporting 600 kilograms of feed each day, supporting the sustainability of aquaculture. Beyond agriculture, the company is testing drones as alternatives to donkey-based transport in remote mountain areas and as a means of delivering fresh produce between islands in the Maldives.
Heavy-Lift Capabilities
EANAN is also pushing the limits of drone engineering. Its heavy-lift models, such as the Sa’faar (capable of transporting 200kg) and the Rikaz (handling up to 200kg), are being developed for industrial-scale logistics. The Sa’faar is currently undergoing an upgrade with a turbo generator that extends flight time from 15 minutes to an hour, a leap that will be unveiled at the Dubai Airshow later this year.
On the precision front, the OptoSky platform brings hyperspectral imaging to agriculture, detecting palm tree diseases before they spread across millions of trees. Similarly, the Sky VTOL methane sensor provides the oil and gas industry with an aerial tool to spot leaks quickly, improving environmental safety and reducing risks.
A Vision Beyond the Skies
What makes EANAN stand out is its ability to align immediate utility with long-term vision. Every unit is built with attention to detail, from 3D-printed components to in-house assembly, ensuring safety and performance standards match global benchmarks.
But the roadmap extends further. The company is collaborating with a US aerospace partner to develop a bladeless vertical take-off and landing aircraft for logistics and air taxi services laying the groundwork for urban air mobility in the UAE. Even more ambitious is the project to create a hydrogen-powered detonation engine capable of launching micro-satellites, positioning drones as platforms for space exploration.
The Road Ahead
This achievement is more than just progress in manufacturing; it shows the UAE’s vision to be a creator, a leader, and a global example in drone technology.
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