‘Levitate’ conference soars, pioneering technology in the Arab region

Experts weigh in on the future of drone technology from the first regional conference.

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(File photos: Ameer Khalifeh/Jordan News)
AMMAN — Under the patronage of His Majesty’s Deputy, HRH Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein, the first regional conference on drone technology, called "Levitate," took place. The two-day conference commenced on July 16 and gathered esteemed guests, including drone enthusiasts, sector leaders, companies, and government officials. The event marked a groundbreaking moment in the region, showcasing the latest advancements in drone technology. Experts from various fields shared their insights on Levitates significance and its potential impact on different industries, here is what they had to say. اضافة اعلان

Arab region is witnessing a rapid movement
The conference served as a platform for fruitful discussions on the future of drones, exploring innovative applications and regulatory considerations. Minister of Digital Economy Ahmad Hanandeh said, "the Arab region is witnessing a rapid movement in the use of smart robotics technologies in various sectors, especially the innovative solutions provided by drone technology.”    At the conference, Hanandeh emphasized the urgent need to develop legislation and policies for regulating the industry. He stressed the importance of identifying best practices and exchanging experiences globally to accelerate economic development in this sector, which offers unprecedented opportunities. 



Remarkable capabilities of smart robots and artificial intelligence
Meanwhile, Yousef Amoura, the chief executive officer and founder of "Sager," a prominent drone solution company partnered with the Special Operations Forces for Exhibition and Conference, shared his insights during an interview with Jordan News. Emphasizing the remarkable capabilities of smart robots and artificial intelligence, Amoura stressed that these technologies have the potential to greatly enhance the economic feasibility and overall developmental and social impact across various sectors.
We hope through the Levitate platform, that it will be a platform for dialogue and learning from the experiences of others, for developing a roadmap in the region, and for attracting investments in this field.

Immense promise in the Arab world
He highlighted, that the drone sector, in particular, holds immense promise in the Arab world. Ratib Abu Al-Ragheb, director of sales and commercial activities at Jordan Design and Development Bureau highlighted that in 2020, global statistics indicated that the value of this sector was two and a half billion dollars, adding that currently, the value of this sector will reach 63.3 billion dollars.



A clear roadmap is crucial
However, Amoura shared that in order to fully harness its potential and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape, it is crucial to establish a clear roadmap supported by governing legislation. Such measures would provide investors with the much-needed assurance in managing risks effectively and foster a conducive environment for innovation and growth.



He further expressed “We hope through the Levitate platform, that it will be a platform for dialogue and learning from the experiences of others, for developing a roadmap in the region, and for attracting investments in this field.” He noted that the region, with its economic development, high percentage of youth, and urban growth, makes Jordan an optimal region to absorb drone technology.

Why the name ‘Levitate’
Regarding the name choice of the conference, he said “We chose it to denote the pre-flight stage, so that interested parties are placed in the runway stage and give them the sound foundations and governing legislation.”

The conference presented successful experiences and future visions for the uses of smart robots in the drone’s sector. It discussed the latest developments and challenges in the drone’s sector, ensuring safe use in Jordan and the region.



Discussions covered topics like drone regulations, automation, electronic governance, applications in renewable energy, construction, communications, and facing challenges.

Drones for agriculture, health, and energy
For his part, Ahmed Al-Taweel, director general of SOFEX expressed to Jordan News the intention to develop a roadmap for drones and leverage their applications in various fields, including agriculture, health, and energy.

Quantum leap
Furthermore, Ragheb emphasized to Jordan News the revolutionary impact of drones across various sectors, considering them as a quantum leap in the fields mentioned earlier.
the Arab region is witnessing a rapid movement in the use of smart robotics technologies in various sectors, especially the innovative solutions provided by drone technology.
However, he also called upon experts, specialists, and legislators to initiate a dialogue aimed at organizing and supporting the drone sector effectively.

One of the key aspects to address is the provision of a safe airspace for drone operations, which would enable continuous innovation while maintaining a delicate balance in terms of regulations and permissions.

New job opportunities
Abu Al-Ragheb was optimistic about using drones in Jordan, sharing that the future is near with September 2023 marketing a global shift in applying a decrial number of drones and the potential for new job opportunities.

He stressed the importance of universities supplying the local market with experts and manpower in the field to support the economy.

The conference marked a significant step in exploring the potential of drone technology and it has been noticeable in the last five years, envisioning a future of innovation and growth in various sectors across the region and beyond.

On the other hand, he did not deny that it requires efforts from all parties to come up with the best results, taking into account public safety, insurance, and the possible outcomes of the consequences of using this technology.

He shared his foresight that within the next two years, the drone industry is expected to create approximately 150,000 new jobs globally.

Recognizing the significant potential for growth, Ragheb emphasized the need for universities to step up and meet the demand for experts and skilled manpower in this field to bolster the local market and support the economy.


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