Key Points: Aiming to Foster Talent for Drone-Based Industrial Inspections in the Kingdom
Tokyo, May 14, 2025 – Terra Drone Corporation, a leading drone and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology company headquartered in Japan, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Inspection Technology and Quality Assurance National Institute (ITQAN), a government-backed human capital development organization in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This MoU marks the launch of a drone inspection training program aimed at developing skilled Saudi talent equipped with advanced drone operation and inspection capabilities. This initiative is part of the broader collaboration outlined in the MoU （1）signed between Terra Drone and Saudi Aramco in April 2025, supporting the development of a workforce specialized in inspection services for the Kingdom’s energy facilities. Through this MoU, a structured training program will be launched to cultivate professionals with advanced drone operational skills, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Background and Purpose
Saudi Arabia boasts vast oil, gas, petrochemical, and energy sectors where there is growing demand for drone-based inspections to improve efficiency, enhance worker safety, and ensure data consistency. However, the full-scale adoption of drone technologies faces challenges due to a shortage of qualified drone pilots and certified inspection professionals.
To address this, Terra Drone and ITQAN will collaboratively deliver a government-certified training program that equips Saudi talent with both technical expertise and regulatory knowledge. This initiative supports the goals of workforce development and job creation outlined in the MoU with Aramco and contributes to Saudi Vision 2030. Established through a partnership between Aramco and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), ITQAN plays a critical role in developing human capital for the Kingdom’s energy facilities.
MoU Details
Under this MoU, Terra Drone Arabia will provide expert instructors, develop the training curriculum, and supply industry-standard drone platforms and software. ITQAN will host and manage the training programs at its facilities.
The joint training program has been specifically designed to meet the demands of critical sectors such as oil & gas, utilities, infrastructure & construction, petrochemicals & refineries, marine & offshore, and renewable energy. The program consists of three course modules:
- Introductory Course: Learn the fundamentals of drone-based inspection solutions.
- Licensing Prep Course: Prepare for regulatory certification under Saudi drone laws.
- Inspection Practical Course: Acquire practical skills required for real-world inspection tasks.
The training program began rolling out in May 2025. Each course combines classroom learning with hands-on field training and has been carefully designed to comply with Saudi Arabia’s drone regulations, meet sector-specific needs, and align with international inspection standards.
Future Prospects
This initiative represents a strategic first step toward advancing the Kingdom’s drone industry under Saudi Vision 2030. Terra Drone is committed to fostering the next generation of drone professionals, supporting employment creation, and contributing to the innovation and modernization of Saudi Arabia’s industrial base through the adoption of cutting-edge drone technologies.
Editor’s Notes:
1 Related Press Release: https://terra-drone.net/global/2025/04/03/terra-drone-signs-mou-with-aramco-to-drive-innovation-and-localization-in-drone-technology/
2 Saudi Vision 2030: https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en
About ITQAN Institute
The Inspection Technology and Quality Assurance National Institute (ITQAN) is a state-of-the-art, independent, non-profit training institute established in Juaymah, Ras Tanura in 2018. Founded through a strategic partnership between Saudi Aramco and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), ITQAN focuses on developing young Saudi talent to meet evolving market needs, contribute to community development, reduce unemployment, and advance the Kingdom’s human capital and nationalization efforts. For more information, https://itqan.edu.sa/en/
About Terra Drone Arabia
Terra Drone Arabia is a premier provider of drone and geospatial solutions across the Middle East and Africa. With a mission to empower businesses through cutting-edge technology, Terra Drone Arabia offers services in land surveying, bathymetry, and data processing, among others. As part of the globally recognized Terra Drone Corporation, Terra Drone Arabia leverages international expertise to deliver innovative solutions tailored to diverse industries. Its expansion into the Saudi market reflects Terra Drone’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. For more information, please visit https://terra-drone.com.sa/
About Terra Drone Corporation
Terra Drone Corporation, headquartered in Japan, is a global leader in drone and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions. Dedicated to the mission of “Unlock ‘X’ Dimensions”, the company is committed to creating a prosperous future by “crossing” bridges—integrating diverse fields to foster innovation and find solutions. Specializing in surveying, inspections, agriculture, and UAS Traffic Management (UTM), Terra Drone serves industries such as oil and gas, construction, chemicals, energy, and agriculture.
With a portfolio of over 3,000 completed projects worldwide, Terra Drone has achieved significant milestones in the drone operations field. In July 2023, the company acquired a majority stake in Unifly, a world-leading provider of UTM platform, with deployments in over eight countries, followed by an investment in U.S.-based Aloft Technologies in February 2024, further expanding its capabilities in UTM.Terra Drone was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market (Stock Code: 278A) on November 29, 2024. It also secured top spot in Global Drone Service Provider Rankings for 2024.
Recognized by Drone Industry Insights as one of the top three industrial drone service providers globally for five consecutive years, Terra Drone aims to build the digital infrastructure necessary to unlock the full potential of drones and AAM solutions. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.terra-drone.net
Media Contact
PR Team, Terra Drone Corporation
Tel: +81-3-6419-7193
Email: pr@terra-drone.co.jp
