Abdullah Al Mandhari

Ibn Firnas has achieved remarkable success in drone technology, prioritizing services, nurturing local talent, and revolutionizing different businesses through enhanced operational efficiency.

Ibn Firnas’ vision is to change the future and to empower the youth. What exactly do you mean by that?

Our origin story is deeply connected to our name and purpose, drawing inspiration from the tale of an ancient inventor and Arabic scholar, Ibn Firnas, who persistently pursued the dream of flight. Despite numerous failures and ultimately paying with his life after his 20th attempt, his spirit of persistent innovation fuels our philosophy. Founded in early 2020 by three young Omanis including myself, we have precisely built our enterprise, focusing on drones and related technologies such as AI, robotics, and 3D printing. Our commitment extends beyond employing cutting-edge technology; we prioritize educating local talent. Opting for domestic expertise over cheaper expatriate labor reflects our dedication to nurturing Oman’s youth. Our team, comprising young graduates from around the world, including skilled Omani professionals trained in Spain, China, and the UAE embodies our commitment to innovation and excellence. With a balanced team that we plan to diversify further, especially by increasing female participation, we stand as a testament to the power of investing in local talent.

How are your expansion plans progressing, and how is awareness of the benefits of drone use growing?

Ibn Firnas’ ambition to broaden its customer base has not only been met but exceeded, tripling its year-on-year performance. This success propels our plans to extend our reach beyond Oman, particularly in serving oil and gas sectors where we have established a strong foothold. Looking ahead, we aim to diversify our clients, targeting governmental and private sectors. The oil and gas industry, known for its structured health, safety, and environmental governance, remains a focus. Additionally, our initiatives with the electricity and telecom sectors and collaborations with various governmental bodies illustrate the versatile applications of drone technology, often challenging traditional perceptions similar to the initial skepticism surrounding self-driving cars.

What is holding businesses back from adopting drone use more rapidly?

Resistance to adopting drone technology is largely rooted in the natural human inclination to fear the unknown. Changing established practices and mindsets, especially in environments like oil and gas sectors where safety is paramount, poses significant hurdles. Overcoming these challenges requires demonstrating the technology’s value and safety convincingly.

In which segments of the oil and gas sector can drones improve efficiency and operations?

Drones offer unparalleled benefits in efficiency, cost savings, and accuracy, revolutionizing traditional operational methods. Particularly in tasks like gas analysis, drones provide faster, more precise data collection, underscoring their value in enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

How does Oman compare with its peers in the region when it comes to the adoption of drones, especially in the oil and gas sector?

Oman is a frontrunner in the region’s drone technology adoption, particularly in the oil and gas sector, even as we navigate a landscape of evolving regulations. Compared to peers like Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, Oman stands out for its initiative, despite the ongoing development of related legislation. Our position within the GCC is strong, with significant interest from governmental and corporate entities in integrating drones into their operations.

What do you expect for the company and the drone sector in general in Oman for the coming year?

The outlook for both our company and Oman’s drone sector is exceptionally positive, buoyed by a recovering economy and improving credit ratings. Governmental investment in new technologies promises substantial support for start-ups and small businesses. We anticipate 2024 to be a pivotal year, transitioning from investment to profitability, with the opening of the first drone store in Oman and a focus on securing sustainable business projects, setting the stage for continued growth and innovation.