The College of Engineering is organising the 3rd International Conference on Unmanned Vehicle Systems - Oman 2026, which will be held from 9 to 11 February 2026.
The conference aims to facilitate the exchange of research, experiences, and applications, and to raise awareness of unmanned vehicle systems and related emerging technologies, including AI, cybersecurity, ground and marine robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles, and the Internet of Things. This will be achieved through introducing their modes of use and diverse applications. The conference also seeks to familiarise the community with the economic importance of these systems and to strengthen cooperation with relevant institutions in order to advance scientific and technological research through collaborative platforms, research development initiatives, and the building of human and material capacities. These efforts support the localisation of knowledge in modern technologies and their applications, contribute to sustainable development, serve society, and empower the local digital economy in line with Oman Vision 2040.
The conference will be held over three consecutive days at SQU, with activities taking place at the University’s Conference and Exhibition Hall as well as the College of Engineering laboratories. The programme includes a wide range of activities designed to reflect the scope and continuous advancement of this vital field.
The conference will begin with three specialised workshops addressing key aspects of the development of unmanned systems and their applications. The first workshop focuses on the evolution of unmanned aerial vehicles, AI technologies, and sensing systems, with particular emphasis on inspection operations in the oil and gas industry. The second workshop addresses robust motion control for autonomous underwater vehicles, while the third workshop examines counter-drone systems, including technology, operational aspects, and case studies.
In addition, the conference will feature two distinguished keynote addresses. The first discusses the changing cybersecurity requirements in the era of autonomous systems and explores when Level Five autonomy may be expected, while the second focuses on the design, control, and applications of bio-inspired aircraft. These keynote addresses are complemented by three invited lectures covering high-impact topics at the local, regional, and global levels. The first lecture addresses the future of defence, highlighting developments and trends in military unmanned aerial vehicle technology. The second focuses on the transition from importation to innovation through the localisation of drone development in Oman. The third lecture examines the shift from vision to impact by building AI and drone capabilities at the Embedded and Connected Vision Systems Laboratory at the College of Engineering.