AMMAN — Under the patronage of His Majesty’s Deputy, HRH
Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein, the first regional conference on drone technology,
called "Levitate," took place. The two-day conference commenced on
July 16 and gathered esteemed guests, including drone enthusiasts, sector
leaders, companies, and government officials. The event marked a groundbreaking
moment in the region, showcasing the latest advancements in drone technology.
Experts from various fields shared their insights on Levitates significance and
its potential impact on different industries, here is what they had to say.
اضافة اعلان
Arab region is witnessing a rapid movement
The conference served as a platform for fruitful discussions on the future of drones, exploring innovative applications and regulatory considerations. Minister of Digital Economy Ahmad Hanandeh said, "the
Arab region is witnessing a rapid movement in the use of smart robotics technologies in various sectors, especially the innovative solutions provided by drone technology.” At the conference, Hanandeh emphasized the urgent need to develop legislation and policies for regulating the industry. He stressed the importance of identifying best practices and exchanging experiences globally to accelerate economic development in this sector, which offers unprecedented opportunities.
Remarkable
capabilities of smart robots and artificial intelligence
Meanwhile, Yousef Amoura, the chief executive officer and
founder of "Sager," a prominent drone solution company partnered with
the Special Operations Forces for Exhibition and Conference, shared his
insights during an interview with
Jordan News. Emphasizing the
remarkable capabilities of smart robots and artificial intelligence, Amoura
stressed that these technologies have the potential to greatly enhance the
economic feasibility and overall developmental and social impact across various
sectors.
We hope through the Levitate platform, that it will be a platform for dialogue and learning from the experiences of others, for developing a roadmap in the region, and for attracting investments in this field.
Immense promise in the Arab world
He highlighted, that the drone sector, in particular,
holds immense promise in the Arab world. Ratib Abu Al-Ragheb, director of sales
and commercial activities at Jordan Design and Development Bureau highlighted
that in 2020, global statistics indicated that the value of this sector was two
and a half billion dollars, adding that currently, the value of this sector
will reach 63.3 billion dollars.
A clear roadmap is crucial
However, Amoura shared that in order to fully harness its
potential and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape, it is crucial to
establish a clear roadmap supported by governing legislation. Such measures
would provide investors with the much-needed assurance in managing risks
effectively and foster a conducive environment for innovation and growth.
He further
expressed “We hope through the Levitate platform, that it will be a platform
for dialogue and learning from the experiences of others, for developing a
roadmap in the region, and for attracting investments in this field.” He noted
that the region, with its economic development, high percentage of youth, and
urban growth, makes Jordan an optimal region to absorb drone technology.
Why the name
‘Levitate’
Regarding the
name choice of the conference, he said “We chose it to denote the pre-flight
stage, so that interested parties are placed in the runway stage and give them
the sound foundations and governing legislation.”
The
conference presented successful experiences and future visions for the uses of
smart robots in the drone’s sector. It discussed the latest developments and
challenges in the drone’s sector, ensuring safe use in Jordan and the region.
Discussions
covered topics like drone regulations, automation, electronic governance,
applications in renewable energy, construction, communications, and facing
challenges.
Drones for
agriculture, health, and energy
For his part,
Ahmed Al-Taweel, director general of SOFEX expressed to
Jordan News the
intention to develop a roadmap for drones and leverage their applications in
various fields, including agriculture, health, and energy.
Quantum leap
Furthermore,
Ragheb emphasized to
Jordan News the revolutionary impact of drones
across various sectors, considering them as a quantum leap in the fields
mentioned earlier.
the Arab region is witnessing a rapid movement in the use of smart robotics technologies in various sectors, especially the innovative solutions provided by drone technology.
However, he
also called upon experts, specialists, and legislators to initiate a dialogue
aimed at organizing and supporting the drone sector effectively.
One of the
key aspects to address is the provision of a safe airspace for drone
operations, which would enable continuous innovation while maintaining a
delicate balance in terms of regulations and permissions.
New job
opportunities
Abu Al-Ragheb
was optimistic about using drones in Jordan, sharing that the future is near
with September 2023 marketing a global shift in applying a decrial number of
drones and the potential for new job opportunities.
He stressed
the importance of universities supplying the local market with experts and
manpower in the field to support the economy.
The
conference marked a significant step in exploring the potential of drone
technology and it has been noticeable in the last five years, envisioning a
future of innovation and growth in various sectors across the region and
beyond.
On the other
hand, he did not deny that it requires efforts from all parties to come up with
the best results, taking into account public safety, insurance, and the
possible outcomes of the consequences of using this technology.
He shared his
foresight that within the next two years, the drone industry is expected to
create approximately 150,000 new jobs globally.
Recognizing
the significant potential for growth, Ragheb emphasized the need for universities
to step up and meet the demand for experts and skilled manpower in this field
to bolster the local market and support the economy.
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