ESBAAR, a leading Omani technology firm specialising in drone and artificial intelligence solutions, has officially launched what is being billed as the Middle East’s first advanced drone-based air cargo operations tailored to the oil and gas industry.
The initiative, carried out in partnership with Masar Petroleum and utilising unmanned aerial systems manufactured by SINAN Advanced Industries, marks a significant milestone in autonomous industrial logistics. The first operational flight successfully delivered critical spare parts across rugged terrain, covering a 137-kilometre route in just one hour and 23 minutes, a marked improvement over traditional road transport times.
ESBAAR officials said the new drone cargo service is designed to address logistical challenges faced by remote oil and gas operations — reducing delivery times, bolstering safety, and ensuring uninterrupted support even during hours when road access may be restricted.
Malik Al Toubi, Co-Founder and Director of Advanced Air Mobility at ESBAAR, highlighted the broader ambitions of the project, noting that it not only supports Oman’s strategic industrial sectors but also showcases the country’s local manufacturing capabilities and technological innovation ecosystem.
The drone transport solution is expected to be scalable, with potential applications beyond the oil and gas sector into areas such as emergency response, healthcare supply missions, and general industrial logistics. ESBAAR plans to expand operations domestically and potentially regionally, positioning Oman as a hub for advanced drone-based logistics solutions.
Industry analysts say this development could transform traditional supply chains in sectors where speed, safety, and reliability are critical, especially in remote or high-risk environments common to oil and gas exploration and production.
