Stage set for rollout of urban air mobility strategy in Oman
Held in partnership with Al Ankaa Space Technologies and GUAMobility, the 'Urban Air Mobility Forum' was attended by key industry stakeholders from the government, the private sector, academia and international organizations.
In his keynote address, Assistant Director of the Oman Logistics Center, Eng Awadh Salim al Sudairi, highlighted the significance of the event: 'This event represents a national strategic platform that highlights one of the most promising and innovative sectors — the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, which involves the use of drones and flying taxis to transport people and goods within cities at altitudes of less than 1,000 feet, aiming to reduce congestion in a smart and sustainable manner. It forms an essential part of the aspirations of the Sultanate of Oman and is aligned with the goals of Oman Vision 2040,' he shared.
'Today, we gather with you to explore the opportunities and challenges, and to discover the potential of urban air mobility technologies within the national transportation ecosystem. Together, we aim to shape the future of our communities based on innovation, partnership, and sustainability,' he added.
According to Al Sudairi, the forum aims to achieve five primary objectives, including the formulation of a cross-sectoral national strategy for the Advanced Air Mobility sector, the development of an integrated sectorial infrastructure, and enhancement of the logistic sector's readiness for modern transportation model adoption.
Additionally, the forum aims to promote investment and entrepreneurship in the field, and empower Omani youth by building competitive national capacities.
Officials noted that the forum also aims to support Oman's candidacy to host the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Global AAM Symposium in 2026.
The two-forum also features key workshops spotlighting various aspects of the urban air mobility ecosystem including: governance and regulation, infrastructure for urban air ports (Vertiports), airspace management and low-altitude aviation, financing and investment models, cybersecurity and aviation safety, uses of air mobility, capacity building, employment and vocational training.
Additionally, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology announced its intention of launching a national experimental "Geozone" which will be used to test AAM applications and technology in a safe environment. According to officials, the zone will allow startups and research institutions to develop industry solutions within the country.
Furthermore, officials from the Ministry unveiled that the forum will announce five key pilot projects, including: urban inter-city transport, air cargo and logistics services, emergency medical services (EMS), airborne security and surveillance, and the development of national innovation incubators.
The outcomes and executive recommendations of the forum are expected to be announced during the events of the Global Logistics Day on April 30.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
29 minutes ago
- Observer
CBO unveils commemorative coin for Oman Vision 2040
Muscat: The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) announced the issuance of a silver commemorative coin that highlights Oman Vision 2040, symbolising the nation's aspirations for comprehensive development and a sustainable economy under wise leadership and a promising future outlook. The coin features a unique design that reflects the national identity. The obverse side carries the emblem of the Sultanate of Oman (the khanjar), the name of the Sultanate, the name of the Central Bank of Oman, the denomination in both Arabic and English, and the year of issuance. The reverse side displays the Oman Vision 2040 logo in colour, along with elements inspired by the visual identity of the vision. This issuance comes as part of the CBO's efforts to commemorate key national milestones and to enhance awareness of the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which serves as a national framework for progress and sustainable prosperity. It is noteworthy that these commemorative coins are legal tender at their nominal value and can be purchased from the CBO branches in Ruwi, Salalah, and Suhar, as well as from the Oman Post sales outlet at the Opera Galleria starting from August 18, 2025.
Muscat Daily
13 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman hosts Chinese travel delegation to boost tourism
Muscat – As part of efforts to promote Oman's tourism potential in international markets, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) is hosting a delegation from leading Chinese travel companies on a familiarisation visit to the sultanate. The visit aims to highlight Oman's diverse attractions, from its natural landscapes and desert and mountain environments to its historical and cultural heritage. Through the initiative, MHT seeks to strengthen Oman's presence in the Chinese market, one of the world's largest sources of outbound tourists, and to support the growth of the sultanate's tourism sector. The programme includes field visits to prominent tourist sites and meetings with Omani tourism stakeholders to enhance cooperation, exchange expertise, and explore strategies for attracting more Chinese visitors. Earlier this year, in March, MHT launched its 2025 promotional campaign to consolidate Oman's position as a global tourist destination. As part of the campaign, the sultanate plans to open new tourism representative offices in China, Russia, Spain, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Latin America. Agreements will be signed with over 80 international tourism companies for joint promotional campaigns targeting Belgium, China, India, Italy, France, Germany, Russia, Britain, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the Nordic countries and Gulf states. The campaign will also feature advertising in public transport systems, major shopping centres and on road signs in high-footfall areas. More than 50 media campaigns are planned with international outlets, alongside television promotions to boost Oman's global visibility. To further showcase the sultanate's offerings, over 100 familiarisation trips will be organised for tourism companies and international media representatives.
Muscat Daily
13 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman eyes Indian market with promotional drive
Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) launched a promotional workshop on Monday in the western Indian city of Jaipur, bringing together Omani tourism institutions, companies and airlines to strengthen the sultanate's presence in the Indian market. The four-day workshop is hosting 25 Omani institutions and 150 Indian travel companies. It aims to highlight Oman's tourism products and foster partnerships with Indian tour operators, focusing on families and travellers seeking cultural, natural and leisure experiences. India remains a key market for Oman. In 2024, Indian visitors to the sultanate numbered around 623,623 – a major portion of the 3.9mn international arrivals recorded last year. The ministry said these figures underline India's importance in its marketing strategy, supported by historical, cultural and commercial ties between the two countries. Speaking at the workshop, Yousuf al Mujaizi, Assistant Director, Tourism Business Development at the ministry, said, 'The Indian market is a key focus in our promotional plan due to its potential and diverse traveller profiles, whether cultural or nature enthusiasts. India remains a priority because of the deep ties it shares with Oman, which facilitates promotion and the building of sustainable partnerships.' He added that choosing Jaipur as the venue reflects Oman's intention to engage directly with India's top tourism and travel companies. 'Our focus is on presenting Oman as a multi-season destination, offering cultural and heritage experiences, adventure and nature tourism, wedding tourism, incentives and conferences tourism, alongside integrated hotel experiences,' Mujaizi said. The ministry said the initiative is part of its broader strategy to increase visitor numbers from India and enhance the sector's contribution to GDP in line with Oman Vision 2040, which identifies tourism as a key driver of economic diversification.
