Author: Sky Vision

The wait is over. Amateur drone enthusiasts rejoice – the new DJI Mavic Mini has landed and from preliminary looks, it seems to be one of the most exciting new drones in years!

After months of speculation and a ton of leaks, DJI has finally unveiled its new ‘everyday Flycam’ and whilst it may not be the ideal drone for experienced drone companies in Dubai like Sky Vision who employed technology at the apex of innovation, what the new DJI Mavic Mini promises is to attract a wide market of first-time drone pilots with its compact, easy to use and responsive new mini drone.

Don’t be fooled by the affordable price or lightweight design, the new Mavic mini drone packs plenty of smart features into its palm-sized design. It’s easy to transport and just have fun with, making it the perfect drone to hone your aerial photography skills and just plain have fun.

So, for anyone who’s looking to take up drone piloting, considering putting their hands in the pockets to buy a great starter drone here are five reasons why the DJI Mavic Mini should be at the top of your wish list.

It’s a Very Affordable Drone

Let’s face it unless you don’t mind shelling out a wad of cash when buying your first, or a new drone, the cost will be right up there on your list of priorities when making a purchase. Therefore, consumers will be pleased to discover that the Mavic Mini is very affordable.

Priced at around $450 for a standard unit and a shade under $600 for the combo unit, the Mavic Mini is one drone available in Dubai that certainly won’t break the bank to pick up. When you consider that the DJI Mavic Air routinely costs around the $900 mark and it wasn’t uncommon to see the now discontinued DJI Mavic Spark priced around $650, it’s clear that pilots are getting some serious bang for their buck.

Just because the Mavic Mini has a mini price though, it doesn’t mean that the drone skimps on functionality. The drone comes equipped with a 12MP camera that’s capable of shooting 2.7K Quad HD videos and has a 3-axis mechanical gimbal that allows for super-smooth footage to be shot with ease.

This Drone Hardly Weighs Anything

The Mavic Mini tips the scales at just 249 grams, making it seriously light. To put that into context, the DJI Mavic Mini is almost as light as the recently released iPhone 11 Pro which weighs 226 grams. So, this drone is just 23 grams heavier than, arguably, some of the most advanced tech in the world today.

With a foldable design, the Mavic Mini can be easily slipped into your pocket or handbag and transported anywhere you want. Take a quick look at the design specifications and you’ll notice that the Mavic Mini also features detachable controller sticks which only serve to enhance its portability.

DJI has taken what consumers love about the popular Mavic 2 drones and condensed the tech to fit inside a smaller design. Moreover, with the drone weighing under 250 grams, it does not need to be registered in the UK, the USA, and the UAE.

A Mini Drone Which Offers Plenty of Flight Time

One of the most frustrating aspects of learning to fly a drone in Dubai – or anywhere else in the world – is the lack of flight time needed to practice and hone your skills. Despite its diminutive size, the Mavic Mini does not suffer from a downturn in flight duration.

Able to stay airborne for thirty minutes is a seriously impressive flight time for such a small drone, giving novice pilots ample time to practice and hone their skills.

Not aware of just how impressive this is? The DJI Mavic Pro and Zoom have estimated flight duration of 31 minutes whilst the Mavic Air can stay airborne for around 21 minutes. The discontinued DJI Spark had a flight time of just 16 minutes. It’s plain that the Mavic Mini offers evolved technology and, arguably, equivalent technology to some of the more expensive drones in the Mavic range.

It’s Fun for the Whole Family

One of the best attributes that the DJI Mini can lay claim to is that because it’s easy to fly, taking to the skies can be fun for the whole family. The DJI Fly app features fun, easy to follow tutorials that teach novices everything that they need to know about learning to fly.

The app’s interface is clever as it only includes the key information needed for drone pilots to get their wings. The tutorials are also more concise and intuitive than other apps which make learning to fly easier. Not only that, the drone features Auto Takeoff and RTH functions which help novice pilots to excel quicker than ever before.

Additionally, the Mavic Mini benefits from a downward sensing system and GPS and offers precision hovering whether you’re indoors or outdoors. It does lack hazard sensing tech and the three-way directional environment sensing of the Mavic Air but it’s still safe to use and the simplistic operation benefits beginners by not overloading them with initial information, thereby helping them to grasp the basics quickly.

It Has Plenty of Accessories to Choose From

The last reason why you should buy the DJI Mini is that it features plenty of accessories so you can customize the Mavic Mini. From a stylish docking station for charging to the choice of a beige or charcoal mini propeller holder to protect your Dubai drone when in transit, the Mavic Mini comes equipped with a range of customizable options.

Choose the Fly More Combo and you get the drone, remote controller, extra pair of propellers, three-hundred-and-sixty-degree propeller guard, three flight batteries, two-way charging hub, and two USB cables – that’s a hell of a lot of equipment for $600!

The drone is also sold with a collection of shell stickers and colorful markers, and there’s even a DIY Creative Kit for the less an artistically inclined person who wants to create a completely unique drone! You can also add a snap adapter and smaller accessories, such as LED displays and use the charging base which doubles as a stylish flight display for complete customization.

The new DJI Mavic Mini is primed to take its place as the most sought-after and praised entry-level drone on the market today. It’s the only option for anyone looking to get into drone piloting. Don’t be surprised when you visit a drone piloting club and find that a fair proportion of your peers at the controls of a DJI Mavic Mini!

You only need to do a quick Google search to discover that drones are providing vital services to police forces across the globe. Just this month alone, the South China Morning Post has published an article of how traffic police have used drones to provide tactical insight to officers on the ground.

In a story that encapsulates not just technological innovation but how the practical application of the technology is employed to improve public services – and by extension our lives in general – police used drones to alert a scooter rider to the need to put a helmet in for his own safety by saying, “The handsome young lad on the black electric scooter in the dark green clothes and glasses – please put on your helmet!”

The footage of this incident was shared on social media and quickly went viral. In China, traffic drones have been employed to detect traffic offenses for more than a year. This event, recorded in the city of Putian in the Fujian province, is but a single example in one country of the impact drones are having on policing.

The impact of drones not only in China but across the world is vast. No more is this felt than in a city determined to be on the first frontier of technological innovation. We are, of course, talking about Dubai. As one of the top drone companies in the UAE, we have a unique insight into this news.

Drone Policing in Dubai

Arguably, the epitome of drone policing is in Dubai. The city-state has pioneered the use of Dubai drone applications across a range of sectors. From agriculture to construction, marketing to entertainments, drones have revolutionized the way we see the world.

Dubai police forces mainly use drones for traffic monitoring. However, it’s not hyperbole to state that any drone application purposes are only limited by our imagination. However, Dubai is determined to deploy drones for multilateral purposes. From thermal imaging for use in security operations to a drone that has been specifically designed to monitor and identify other devices, such applications are already being deployed or on the cusp of becoming a reality.

No more is Dubai’s determination to utilize drone technology and spearhead future vocational innovation than with the announcement in late 2018 that drone services in Dubai will adopt aerial police patrols on drone hoverbikes to cruise above traffic. So far, the introduction these hoverbikes is penciled in for next year, however, it remains to be seen if they will be deployed. Considering that Dubai is one of, if not the global hub of technological innovation, don’t be surprised to glance upwards to see overhead monitoring.

The Partnership Between Dubai Police and DJI

SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd, more commonly known as DJI, is the preeminent drone company. Headquartered in Shenzen, Guangdong and with factories around the world, they manufacturer drones, camera gimbals, flight platforms, cameras and camera stabilizers, propulsion systems and flight control systems.

Founded in 2006, over more than a decade, the business has established a premier reputation for innovation, acumen, and finesse. It should, therefore, come as little surprise that Dubai’s police should partner with the company to provide stellar Dubai drone safety for all who live in the city-state.

The solution development partnership between DJI and Dubai police outline the collective intent to test and deploy drone technology as a means of assisting the in bolstering public safety protocols across Dubai.

This revolutionary agreement marks the first time that a police agency in the UAE has partnered with a drone company to access new and enhanced training and support to promote safety and security in the UAEs largest city.

Cutting-Edge Equipment

It should come as little surprise that the police drone services in Dubai will be backed by formidable equipment that’s at the forefront of DJI’s product line. The Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual will be deployed. This drone features thermal imaging cameras that can be used in search operations and has been purpose-built for the public sector.

Moreover, under the agreement, Dubai police will gain access to DJI’s formidable hardware and software. In addition to the Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual and the DJI AeroScope drones, DJI will grant law enforcement access to a flight simulator for comprehensive training and a fleet management and mission planning tool.

It’s hoped that this will help law enforcement in Dubai gain more value from the life-saving potential of drone technology whilst being able to monitor other devices to help identify and determine the nature of any given security risk.

What DJI and Police Spokesmen Have Said

This much-lauded partnership has been clearly endorsed by both DJI and the Dubai police force with both DJI and the police force openly stating the pleasure and intent of this new collaboration.

Maj Gen Abdullah Al Marri, Commander in Chief of Dubai Police stated, ‘This partnership is set to boost co-operation, exchange experiences, and share information and knowledge between both sides in the field of unmanned aerial systems.

He goes on to state, ‘It reflects the keenness of Dubai Police to bring drones into the different police sectors which helps promote safety and security in the city by utilizing the latest tools and systems.’

Romeo Durscher, Director of Public Safety and Integration at DJI took a more streamlined approach to publicly announcing the partnership, but this was by no means any less impactful. He stated, ‘We are pleased to partner with Dubai Police to help them to take advantage of DJIs industry-leading drone technology.’

What’s clear is that drone services in Dubai have grown to become a vital component of the city-state’s evolving technological ecosystem. This partnership is just the latest example of how drone technology is helping to continually accelerate Dubai as one of, if not, the global city for public-service and technological integration.

With exciting developments being announced all the time, not only in the field of drone application but, across the entire digital sphere, Dubai truly is the city of the future.

Predicting what technology will become an integral part of our lives in the years to come is as fascinating as it is debatable. For many, 2020 is set to be the year of 5G, when next-generation mobile networks take centre stage. As one of the leading Drone companies in UAE, Sky Vision has some insights about the future of drone filming and aerial photography in the UAE.

Then there’s AR (augmented reality.) The recent success of Pokémon Go demonstrated teen’s appetite for augmented reality games. But, can this technology move into the commercial sector?

Sky Vision is one of the Best Drone companies in UAE

Believe it or not, commercial augmented reality is beginning to build momentum, with companies across the UAE – and throughout the globe – beginning to think seriously about ways to integrate next-generation technology with operations and training.

Then there’s multi-channel online shopping. Whereas in the past, consumers were ecstatic about placing an order online and receiving their goods in a matter of days, in 2019 the same consumers are getting antsy. Delivers are expected sooner rather than later. Is this changing in opinion paving the way for a delivery drone service in UAE – or globally? One would think so, yes.

On this note, what do the next twelve months hold for the drone industry in the Middle East? Let’s dive into some of the predicted forecasts and try to decipher what the future may hold.

Drone companies in UAE: Drones-as-a-Service (DaaS)

A natural extension of RaaS (Robotics as a Service), drones as a service have appliances that can drastically improve a wealth of different industries. Visionary businesses view drone potential as seemingly endless.

Much more than just vehicles for delivery, drone deployment is being viewed as vital in diverse industries. From agriculture and farming to construction and law enforcement, as the next 12 months unfold, residents in the UAE should expect drones to be more and more prominent in UAE’s skies.

The result of this will be that DaaS providers will be in increasing demand as we head into 2020 and beyond. Software manufacturers and hardware vendors are expected to take on greater responsibility for ensuring optimal performance and continuing technological progression.

Moreover, drone companies in Dubai and UAE will further increase the application of artificial intelligence (AI) powered technologies within their operations. Quantitative data gleaned from drone companies across the UAE has identified prominent themes that will become dominant as 2019 unfolds and we head into 2020.

Drone companies in UAE: Drone Deployment Will Triple

The result of the increase in drone application across varying sectors will see drone deployment triple in the next twelve months. The UAE government will continue to lead drone technology developments in the region and the private sector will become increasingly amenable to integrating drones into their operations.

More exciting though, is the scheduled Dubai flying drone taxi. Currently scheduled for 2020, this innovation will completely revolutionize transportation in the city-state.

Practical drone application is also set to soar in a wealth of sectors. The drone service of inspection and surveying will feature ever more prominently, closely followed by aerial photography and videography. The construction sector will integrate drones at every stage of their projects, allowing companies to increase the speed and performance of their operations.

Drone companies in UAE: Artificial Intelligence

In 2018, DJI and Microsoft formed a global strategic partnership to bring advanced AI and machine learning technologies to DJI drones. This was, arguably, the clearest indication yet that global technology giants believe that investing in the development of drones to be paramount to our continued evolution into a fully autonomous, technology-driven world.

As AI and robotics gain traction, offering critical insight and application within the next generation of innovation, technology behemoth, Microsoft, is firmly behind drone technology and has joined forces with DJI to nurture the brightest local engineers and roboticists of tomorrow via the provision of learning platforms and access to cutting edge technologies.

Christina Zhang, Senior Director, Corporate Strategy & Communications at DJI said of the partnership, ‘We are delighted to partner with Microsoft on this meaningful project. This is an opportunity to explore applications that could be used in the real world.’ It seems evident that the resources Microsoft has will help propel DJI into the next generation of drone development – something that a wealth of sectors across the UAE stand to benefit from.

Indeed, the integration of AI is helping drones to perform tasks more efficiently than was thought possible just a few short years ago. Drone companies in Dubai, like Sky Vision, are increasingly employing high-resolution imagery to capture landscapes in crystal-clear clarity. The abundance of information captured can be correlated with maintenance, land development, defect localization and surveillance – to name but a handful of applications.

Automating the analysis of aerial imagery using AI allows drone software to speed up analysis of an environment – even allowing for the real-time prediction of localized changes. This is especially useful in monitoring individuals in large open public spaces or reviewing traffic to mitigate potential risks and keep everyone safe.

Traditional CCTV streamed images have a delay between event occurrence and recording, and monitoring requires physical monitoring. This can cause issues, especially for static CCTV cameras with only a single vantage point. It seems logical that deploying a remote drone, complete with AI and collision avoidance systems offers a far superior way of monitoring environments – something that’s destined to be increasingly prevalent as we move throughout 2019 and into 2020.

The drone service in Dubai afforded both the public and private sectors serves to reinforce the necessity of drone technology. Citizens of UAE cast your eyes to the sky this year, you’re sure to encounter drones with increasing frequency.

Let it never be said that Sky Vision isn’t one of the best drone companies in Dubai. Not only are we committed to providing awe-inspiring drone services to our clients, but we invest much time and effort in bringing you factual, interesting and topical information about how drones are transforming personal and professional lives across the UAE – and the globe.

With Amazon’s drone delivery services just over the horizon, it appears as though we’re on the cusp of finally experiencing a technological revolution in the skies. No longer will traditional vehicular delivery services be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of customer parcels to deliver. No longer will customers have to wait days to receive their online order. Drones will make the feat achievable in a matter of hours – or even minutes!

When any innovation is launched into the public consciousness a newly-founded interest in the technology elevates consumer intrigue – and understanding, of course. Tech-savvy minds lead the way, closely followed by those with a commercial interest, and complemented by everyone with a curious mind.

In fact, don’t be surprised if, in a matter of months, the word around the water cooler, the street, dinner table and anywhere else, for that matter, is about this new aerial phenomenon. Such interest is likely to compel consumers to dip their hands in their pockets and buy a drone of their very own.

But, where do hobbyists start? What’s the best 2019 drone for you? With an expansive range of knowledge, Sky Vision is one Dubai drone company that can help you identify the right drone for you.
Interested in learning more? Here are the best four drones for beginners in 2019.

DJI Spark

You don’t need to be a drone aficionado to have heard of the DJI Spark. Most everyone with their fingers on the pulse of technological innovation, or who knows a thing or two about drones will have come across, arguably, the best drone for beginners.

Perfect for hobbyists with a set budget who are just excited about taking to the skies and piloting their very own drone, the DJI Spark is the perfect entry level drone. Equipped with its own camera and boasting a flight time of fifteen meters from a range of 2,000 meters away, the DJI Spark is a great drone to practice with, honing your take-off and landing expertise whilst learning how to control a drone in flight.

Features include advance obstacle avoidance mode and an impressive gesture mode. Moreover, with DJI Spark’s automated flight functionality, pilots can concentrate on taking glorious images and video before showing them off to friends.

DJI Mavic Pro

You can’t have a list of the best drones without mentioning the DJI Mavic Pro. Used by some of the best drone companies in Dubai and favoured by novice pilots, the DJI Mavic Pro has carved a unique reputation for itself as being accessible to beginners whilst offer advanced flight functionality and capabilities which appeals to drone companies.

The DJI Mavic Pro doesn’t boast the same complex functionality as the Mavic 2 with its countless features and settings, but it does have a sleek design that appeals to novices. A flight time of 27 minutes and a 4,000-meter range allows pilots to spread their wings and soar once they gain the confidence.

Not only that, the DJI Mavic Pro features an impressive built-in HD-ready camera with 4K support. Once pilots are fully confidence in their aerial skills, the opportunity to capture stunning vistas in 4K glory is seemingly ubiquitous.

Yuneec Typhoon H Pro

One of the most visually arresting drones, the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro doesn’t come cheap. Though for novice drone pilots with designs on learning the flight skills of a Dubai drone company and are prepared to invest the time as they negotiate a challenging learning curve, the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro may well be just the drone for them.

Boasting eight propellers and five autonomous flight modes, this drone will certainly make its presence known in the Dubai sky. Perhaps its most impressive feature is its 10,000-meter range, allowing novices to hone their flight skills over long distances.

Other features include a built-in camera, responsive obstacle avoidance and a prolonged flight time of 25 minutes. Although not quite as portable as some of the other starter drones on the market, the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro has proved no less popular with consumers.

Altair Aerial Blackhawk

If there’s something that’s absolutely assured of a novice drone pilot – and that is a rarity amongst experienced drone pilots working for one of the best drone companies in Dubai, Sky Vision, – it’s that aerial accidents do happen, and crashes are unavoidable. Novice pilots who value durability and speed would be wise to choose the Altair Aerial Blackhawk.

Though the drone doesn’t come equipped with a camera, attaching a GoPro, or other similar drone camera, is quick and straightforward. The flight time is also lesser than Yuneec and DJI’s offerings but is that such a bad thing for beginners, especially when consider that the most important thing when first taking to the skies is that you can keep control of your drones. Short flights with a comfortable and safe landing are the logical way for beginners to build up their experience.

However, one notable negative of buying the Altair Aerial Blackhawk as your starter drone is that it only has a range of about 300 meters. However, if you’re taking o the skies for the first time, how far do you intend to fly to get to grips with the controls? As you become more confident and competent controlling your drone, then you can invest in a DJI Spark or Mavic Pro.

These are our picks for the best four drones for beginners in 2019. Which one do you fancy soaring through the skies with?

Shutterbugs with a keen photographic eye are using the contrasting UAE landscape to capture truly remarkable images – and thanks to the digital age we live in, anyone around the world can experience what Dubai has to offer.

You only need to browse social media to discover how people in the UAE view and experience life. Generic images are still plentiful on the platform, but occasionally you’ll come across a profile that packs a true photographic wallop. Browse the leading image sharing site, Instagram, and you’ll soon discover profiles dedicated to seeking out and capturing truly spectacular UAE vistas.

The more you browse Instagram profiles, the more you’ll discover the difference between those images that pique interest and those that hold interest. Whilst it’s true that several UAE-based Instagram accounts have uploaded Dubai aerial photography that’s worthy of a second look, very few truly capture the essence of the city-state in all its splendour.

Interested in learning which Instagram accounts are taking photography to new heights? Check out the following users and be inspired by their creative vision.

Username: @pixelville
Followers: 108K
With an impressive Instagram following, Jumana Jolie is one of the more popular Instagram photographers. Climbing to heights that would make mere mortals’ shudder and capturing images at angles that need nerves of steel, Jumana Jolie gives her followers a glimpse of the UAE that they’ve seldom – if ever seen before.

Her dizzying array of Dubai aerial photography shots are even more impressive when you consider that Jamana freely admits that there is a level of fear when capturing bespoke images from high altitudes.

However, with a background as a photojournalist, having worked for Reuters for seven years, controlling her trepidation and fear is just another aspect of the job for Jumana. The Lebanese Palestinian has ventured across the of the Middle East throughout her career. It is this experience taught Jumana that versatility is paramount.

Moreover, Jumana believes that the secret to capturing spectacular images is determined by practice. With a meticulous ethos and an eye that clearly distinguishes between what you see and what the camera can capture, she is able to offer a perspective that few Instagrammers are able to match.

Photographer: Debbie Fortes
Username: @debbiefortes
Followers: 53K
Debbie consistently demonstrates an acute understanding of photographic composition and solid knowledge of Dubai’s skyline. Venturing to the unglamorous parts of Dubai, Debbie creates a distinctive identity to Dubai – one that is lesser-known on a global stage.

The antithesis of what a drone company in Dubai would typically capture, Debbie’s street-level images offer a different perspective of the city-state, one that forces those places that one crosses many times, but seldom pays attention to. Old Dubai and Dubai Creek are given centre stage and appear exquisite, thanks to her talent.

Architecture, urban landscapes and minimalism influence her style. Interesting lines, shadows, and structures are featured prominently in her portfolio. Textures and three-dimensional objects are also a big feature of her work, as is how residents of Dubai interact with the landscape.

A photographer of passion, her style was likely forged by her innate artistic curiosity. Born in the Philippines, Debbie bought her first DSLR camera in 2013. What followed was a revelation. With zero professional training, Debbie has managed to develop without being burdened by conflicting influence and as a result, her photographs are a true reflection of her personality.

Photographer: Husain Ujjainwala
Username: @who.sane
Followers: 18K
A relative newcomer to the UAE’s Instagram photography scene, Husain Ujjainwala is quickly developing a reputation that’s no less prominent than Debbie Fortes or Jumana Jolie. A student of Dubai aerial photography, 24-year old Husain Ujjainwala’s images feature dramatic, captivating images of Dubai’s skylines, each taken from unusual angles.

Like Debbie Fortes, Husain Ujjainwala has had no professional training and only decided to pursue photographer a mere five years ago. Though he may now shoot images with a DSLR camera, for years Hussain ardently stuck with mobile phone cameras, capturing the type of imagery that was almost indistinguishable from that of a DSLR camera.

His popularity may have been born of Hussain’s decision to switch to professional camera equipment. Hussain is candid about his belief that with a great number of photographers shooting Dubai’s skylines, editing those images you capture is what will set a good photographer apart from an average one.

A brief glance at Hussain’s Instagram feed and you’ll immediately notice that his images pay homage to the UAE – a country he believes to be rich in photographic opportunities. Indeed, from cityscapes to deserts that stretch to the horizon, the opportunities for a photographer to capture landmark images are everywhere – something that a progressive drone company in Dubai, like Sky Vision, understands all too well.

Hussain emphasises the importance of lighting and the varied effect that it has on shot composition. Preferring to shoot at sunrise and sunset, he’s able to capture the UAE at the dawning of a new day and as dusk descends, creating an ambiance that’s difficult – if not impossible – to replicate.

Thanks to technology, Instagrammers and a professional drone company in Dubai are elevating photography to new heights. With innovation evolving all the time, it’s exciting to think what the future may hold and how our perception of the UAE – and the world – will change thanks to photographers and their equipment.