UAE-built unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) developed by Air Q are now ready to be used in real-world operations. These drones can support a wide range of missions, from military surveillance to civilian tasks such as safely transporting blood samples between hospitals.
Air Q is based in Masdar City and follows a strong in-house development model. The company designs and manufactures most of its UAV components itself, rather than relying on external suppliers. This allows engineers to quickly identify and fix any technical issues, improve performance, and maintain high quality standards. As a result, the drones are more reliable and can be adapted faster to meet different operational needs.
The company’s main aircraft, called Harara, is a versatile UAV equipped with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability. This means it does not need a traditional runway and can operate from tight or remote locations. Harara is available in both fully electric and hybrid versions, giving operators flexibility depending on mission requirements. It can fly distances of up to 600 kilometres, making it suitable for long-range missions.
Air Q has already completed more than 1,000 test flights, demonstrating the aircraft’s stability, endurance, and safety. All testing has been carried out locally in the UAE, where harsh weather conditions such as high temperatures, dust, and strong winds help ensure the drones can perform reliably in challenging environments.
By keeping design, testing, and manufacturing under one roof, Air Q has improved efficiency, scalability, and long-term reliability. This approach makes its UAVs well-suited for both commercial use and defence operations, positioning the company as a strong contributor to the UAE’s growing aerospace and advanced technology sector.
