Rabih, what inspired you to start Falcon Eye Drones (FEDS) in the UAE, and how did you address the initial challenges of introducing drone services to major industries such as oil, gas, and infrastructure?
It was honestly a chance encounter. I was on a business trip in 2013 when I was introduced to the concept of commercial drones. Then I spent the next year researching and collecting data on how I could bring a revolutionary piece of tech to the region. The initial challenges were regulations because back then, there were no regulations on drones and, even more specifically, on commercial drone use. So, we had to work with the local regulators and build a regulatory system from the ground up. Dubai's future-forward approach made it possible to bring technology from the brink of obscurity and turn it into reality. Once we tackled the regulatory side of things, it was a matter of convincing industry leaders that these flying marvels could disrupt their workflow for the betteron that front, the drones really speak for themselves.
FEDS has been a pioneer in the Middle East drone industry. Could you share an example of how drone technology has significantly improved operational efficiency or safety for one of your clients?
By eliminating downtime and maintaining operational continuity, our drone solutions have saved clients millions of dirhams annually. Consider the example of flare stack inspections in Oil and Gas fields. Traditionally, this process required shutting down the stack, allowing it to cool, and venting all fumes to make it safe for human inspectors. This process, combined with extensive paperwork, could take weeks to monthsand that's before the inspection even began. With drones, we can conduct inspections while the flare stack remains active. This not only eliminates downtime but also allows operations to proceed seamlessly. In terms of safety, removing the need for human inspectors to enter hazardous environments significantly enhances safety standards. Financially, this efficiency translates to millions saved through simplified operations, avoiding downtime, and decreasing hazards.
As an active participant in shaping drone regulations in the UAE, what are some of the regulatory challenges you face, and how do you navigate these to ensure compliance and innovation?
Regulations serve a crucial purpose they ensure the safety of everyone involved and the general public. While regulations in many parts of the world can stifle innovation, the local regulators here embrace it. That doesn't mean it's easy; it means they are willing to listen. We ensure complete transparency with regulators and provide insights into the technological limitations and potentials of drones. This collaborative approach helps us navigate regulatory challenges while fostering an environment where innovation can thrive. Moreover, FEDS has achieved a drone-specific ISO certification, a distinction held by very few companies globally, underscoring our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and innovation. We work cohesively with regulatory authorities to continuously improve these standards.
Given your involvement in the regulatory community, how do you foresee drone regulations evolving, and what impact might this have on the industry?
One of the most significant advancements in drone technology is the potential for fully autonomous operations. To achieve this, we need a sophisticated system to manage airspace traffica centralized Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system. Implementing UTM will be the next major leap, enabling completely autonomous drone operations. This development will have profound implications: any drone-based operation currently requiring human oversight can be conducted remotely, from the safety and comfort of an office, at the push of a button. This transformation will revolutionize industries by enhancing efficiency, safety, and scalability. FEDS has played a crucial role in this evolution by creating a comprehensive drone ecosystem and bringing cutting-edge product and software solutions from around the world to the Middle East. These innovations are continuously improving safety, efficiency, and operational capabilities across various sectors.
You have predicted that drones will soon become as integral to daily life as mobile phones. Can you elaborate on this vision and how you see drones impacting everyday activities, such as grocery delivery or even transporting children to school?
Just like mobile phones became indispensable for accessing various technologies and improving our quality of life, drones will revolutionize daily living. One major impact will be on last-mile delivery and human transportation. Recently, we piloted a drone-powered last-mile delivery system in the UAE, showcasing its potential. Beyond deliveries, drones will play a pivotal role in automating and enabling smart city initiatives. Examples include:
· Traffic monitoring and management
· Air quality monitoring
· Infrastructure inspections
· Emergency response and disaster management
· Agricultural monitoring and precision farming
How do you ensure that you and your team stay ahead in technology adoption while also prioritizing environmental sustainability, and how do you manage the company's environmental footprint?
At FEDS, we have cultivated a sustainability-focused culture from the start. As a drone company, our biggest source of waste is e-waste, including batteries and drone parts. We have established responsible and sustainable e-waste management practices to tackle this. In our office, we actively practice recycling. Our HQ office, the Malaysia Pavilion from EXPO, was a net-zero pavilion. We leverage its advanced infrastructure to further reduce our footprint. Additionally, we've partnered with a leading sustainability consultant to align with the region's 2030 and 2050 goals, elevating our sustainability efforts to the next level.
As CEO, what strategies have you implemented to foster innovation and maintain FEDS' competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market?
FEDS is fundamentally an employees-first company, something that I believe a lot more companies can benefit from adopting. In every decision-making process, the wellness and happiness of our employees are paramount. This approach helps our team feel valued and motivated to perform at their best. We maintain a high standard by retaining only excellent employeesthose who excel in their roles, communication, and overall contribution. We achieve this through an open and frequent feedback loop. Additionally, we foster a culture where freedom to explore is encouraged, and failure is not punished but seen as a learning opportunity. We reward employees for trying new things and pushing boundaries. We rigorously test technology, adopting only the best solutions. These combined factors create an environment ripe for innovation, helping us maintain our competitive edge in the market.
Looking ahead, what are the long-term goals for the company, and what steps are you taking to achieve them?
Our long-term goals include expanding geographically. We have already established branches in the Middle East and are looking to expand into the African market. Sustainability remains a core focus; as industry leaders, we feel a strong responsibility to guide the industry towards a sustainable and future-forward path. To achieve these goals, we are perfecting our operational blueprint here in Dubai and applying the same successful parameters and conditions to our other offices. This strategy ensures consistency and excellence as we grow and expand globally. Additionally, we have set up a fully functional drone ecosystem under the FEDS Group. This includes providing comprehensive drone services, solutions, and training to further enable organizations with drone technology. Our vision is to advance humanity with drone technology.
