MUSCAT : Held under the theme ‘From Vision to Safe and Sustainable Operation within the National Aviation Strategy 2040’, the forum brought together more than 150 participants from over 40 government entities, military and security agencies, aviation companies, technology providers, investors and academic institutions to discuss the future of advanced air mobility in the Sultanate.

Speaking at the event, His Excellency Eng. Naif bin Ali Al Abri, President of the Civil Aviation Authority, said advanced air mobility has become a strategic national priority and an emerging economic sector aligned with the goals of Oman Vision 2040 and the National Aviation Strategy 2040.

He said the authority is pursuing a phased approach to implementation, beginning with the development of regulatory and legislative frameworks, followed by unmanned air traffic management systems and the gradual deployment of advanced air mobility technologies while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security.

The forum explored key topics including Oman’s national roadmap for advanced air mobility, operational applications, economic opportunities, regulatory requirements, capacity building and the development of a national value chain for the sector.

A major highlight of the event was the signing of several agreements and memoranda of cooperation aimed at accelerating the development of Oman’s advanced air mobility ecosystem.

The Civil Aviation Authority signed the founding charter for Oman’s Advanced Air Mobility System, establishing a national framework that brings together government entities, private-sector stakeholders and strategic partners to coordinate the development of a safe, organised and sustainable sector.

A separate memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Civil Aviation Authority, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and the Ibn Firnas Center for Drones to support innovation, operational testing and the development of national capabilities in drone technologies and advanced air mobility.

The authority also signed a cooperation agreement with the École de Management Appliqué (EMA) Business School to strengthen training and capacity-building programmes in advanced air mobility and unmanned aerial systems.

The forum additionally launched the ‘Summer Drone Academy’ programme for school students, designed to introduce young participants to drone technologies, safety standards, operational practices and emerging aviation innovations.

An accompanying exhibition featured local and international companies showcasing the latest developments in drones, advanced air mobility solutions and smart aviation technologies.

The initiatives form part of Oman’s broader efforts to position itself as a regional hub for advanced aviation technologies, supporting innovation, investment and economic diversification while preparing the sector for future transformations in air transport.

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