The UAE Drones for Good Award was launched in February. A local award of Dh1 million will honour the best application for delivering government services in the health, education, civil defence, transportation and tourism sectors, while an international prize of $1 million (Dh3.673 million) will recognise the best ideas for using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), focusing on their broader application in any area that may benefit humanity, such as providing relief during natural disasters. For more information, visit DronesForGood.ae. GN Focus studies five areas where drones are on the rise.
1. Deliveries
The UAE recently announced plans to use unmanned aerial drones to deliver official documents and packages to citizens. The prototype battery-operated vehicle resembles a butterfly with a top compartment that can carry small parcels. The drones are to be introduced within a year to deliver ID cards and other permits. In December, Amazon.com’s Chief Executive Jeff Bezos announced plans to deliver goods to homes by drone, but safety and technical issues mean the plan is unlikely to happen soon. DHL recently tested a drone (pictured) that can carry up to three kilograms.
2. Movies
Two remote-controlled miniature helicopter cameras were recognised at this year’s Academy Awards for Technical Achievement: the Helicam and the Flying- Cam Sarah 3.0. They make dramatic aerial footage possible at low cost and indie films have already shown what’s possible.
3. Privacy
Currently, drones are used mostly for aerial photography and are available in the UAE from Dh220. However, Gulf News recently reported that residents are worried about the use of mini-drones. These miniature helicopters are equipped with cameras, which residents say can be used to spy on people or take their pictures and post them online.
4. Conservation
The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi recently began using drones to monitor its greater flamingo population. Drones are also being used against poachers of elephants and rhinos in Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa and Nepal. However, drones were recently banned from Yosemite Park in California after officials said they disturbed wildlife.
5. Agriculture
UAVs may also spell the end of crop dusting. Although drones are cheaper, safer, and more precise than manned airplanes, lobbyists in the US want to prevent this — partly to prevent accidents and to protect jobs. In desert environments such as the UAE, however, the potential for such applications is limitless.
