Etijah Smart Solutions was amongst the exhibitors at the exhibition accompanying the Third International Conference on Unmanned Vehicle Systems – Oman 2026, organised by the College of Engineering. Zainab bint Mujtaba Al-Lawati, Business Development Executive at Etijah, presented the company’s innovative service for tracking project progress through the use of AI-enhanced drones, an approach that is redefining how construction and infrastructure projects are monitored across Oman.
How does AI change the way project progress is monitored compared to traditional site inspections, especially in terms of speed, accuracy, and decision making?
AI transforms project progress monitoring by replacing labour-intensive traditional site inspections, which are often subjective, limited by terrain access, and prone to incomplete data, with fast drone flights that capture comprehensive site imagery, followed by our AI analysis software that delivers precise, objective measurements of volumes, alignments, and completion stages. This approach provides real-time visual comparisons against approved plans through an interactive dashboard, enabling earlier detection of deviations so decision-makers can act proactively rather than reactively, resulting in getting reliable oversight with fewer site visits, as implemented in the Nizwa Public Park pilot with the Governorate of ad-Dakhliyyah.
How do you analyse the data using AI to deliver actionable insights for clients?
We analyse drone-captured images using AI computer vision models that automatically segment construction elements, compare them against design plans and calculate progress metrics. These outputs are reviewed and refined with human expertise for accuracy, then presented on a centralised interactive dashboard with visual evidence, giving clients clear, actionable insights to support rapid decisions, improve contractor accountability, and streamline project management.
What type of projects benefit the most from AI-based aerial progress tracking and how has this technology helped reduce delays, risks, or costs in real-world application?
Large-scale public infrastructure projects, earthwork-intensive developments, multi-phase or multi-contractor sites, and projects in remote or challenging terrain benefit the most from AI-based aerial progress tracking. In real-world applications across the region, this technology enables earlier identification of potential problems, reduces the need for frequent physical inspections, minimises disputes over progress claims, and supports more efficient resource allocation and timely delivery of infrastructure projects.
How do you see AI-enhanced drones shaping the future of construction and infrastructure monitoring in Oman and wider region?
AI-enhanced drones will shape the future of construction and infrastructure monitoring in Oman and the wider region by enabling scalable, centralised oversight through interactive dashboards that integrate multiple sites, support predictive insights, and facilitate data-driven governance aligned with the Oman Vision 2040 goals for smart cities and sustainable development. Starting with focused pilots like the Nizwa Public Park project, this technology will evolve toward more autonomous operations, seamless integration with national systems, and stronger public-sector efficiency in managing large infrastructure programmes across governorates and ministries.