The third edition of the Oman Competition for AI-Enhanced Drones will conclude with a series of final events to be held at the Grand Hall of Sultan Qaboos University on 9 - 10 February 2026. The competition is organised by Sultan Qaboos University, in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and Makeen.

Launched in June 2025 and running through to February 2026, the national competition aims to develop local expertise in drone technologies and AI, while empowering young Omanis with advanced technical and practical skills aligned with emerging labour-market needs.

The concluding programme will feature the final competitive rounds, alongside an educational exhibition involving nine local companies specialising in drones, AI, and 3D printing. The event will also include an exhibition showcasing the work of amateur drone photographers, as well as an FPV (First-Person View) pilot competition.

The official closing ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. The ceremony will include a range of activities, such as prize draws, a short theatrical performance, a film screening, and the recognition and awarding of competition winners and sponsors.

Throughout the programme, participants took part in structured training sessions combined with competitive tracks in manual drone operation and AI-enhanced autonomous control. The training covered drone assembly, piloting skills, safety regulations, and applications of AI, providing both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

More than 120 participants were selected from several hundred applicants, representing local and international universities, as well as jobseekers from diverse academic backgrounds. The competition sought to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, while fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills development in high-growth technology sectors.

In addition to technical capacity building, the competition aims to raise public awareness of the practical applications of drones and AI across various fields, contributing to the Sultanate of Oman’s transition towards a knowledge-based digital economy and the creation of future employment opportunities.

Organised in collaboration with academic and governmental partners, the Oman Competition for AI-Enhanced Drones reflects national efforts to support digital transformation and to build sustainable national capabilities in advanced and emerging technologies.