Drone Technology To Strengthen Environmental Protection: DECCA And Domus Group Sign MoU In Dubai

The Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Domus Group, an events and conferences organiser specialising in vertical aviation solutions and drone technologies. The agreement supports environmental sustainability in Dubai by using drone-based aviation systems, while also promoting knowledge exchange with local and international technology providers.

Under the partnership, drone technologies are used for detailed environmental work across land and sea. Devices carry out accurate habitat surveys, produce maps of mangroves, seagrass and coastal zones, and monitor desert and mountain reserves. The information supports restoration projects, while additional missions track plumes, assess air quality, analyse mangrove carbon sinks and guide shoreline mapping and marine sampling.

The MoU supports DECCA’s strategic direction on environmental research, innovation and climate-focused planning. The authority aims to integrate advanced technologies into evidence-based policies and Monitoring, Reporting and Verification systems. Through the agreement, DECCA can review global solutions, then adapt and customise them to match Dubai’s specific environmental regulations, ecosystems and climate resilience priorities.

Drone operations also assist environmental enforcement and compliance work by supporting surveillance programmes. Systems help detect illegal fishing activities and other environmental violations in protected or sensitive areas. The collaboration gives DECCA structured access to the latest global capabilities, while Domus Group contributes experience from aviation-related conferences and technology networks focused on drones and vertical flight systems.

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Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, Director-General of DECCA, said, "Technology is now one of the most important enablers of environmental action. Whether in conserving terrestrial and marine biodiversity, providing Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems, or supporting food security and sustainable agriculture, drone technologies can play a key role in enhancing our environmental work. Dubai has long been a pioneer in adopting advanced technologies across sectors, while the Unmanned Aircrafts Law offers clear operational framework. Today, as we set environmental policies and plans, drone solutions are a key enabler of realising our environmental vision. By surveying the latest global solutions, we can develop local solutions to suit our environment."

DECCA expects the MoU to encourage companies from the UAE and other countries to introduce sophisticated aviation and drone systems that support sustainability goals. The authority plans to use knowledge gained through the partnership to refine policy, improve monitoring of ecosystems and expand the use of drones in daily environmental operations across the emirate.

Maysoon Abu Alhoul, Managing Director of Domus Group, said, "As a home-grown group founded in Dubai and expanded across the world, we are committed to harnessing world-class technologies that reinforce Dubai’s international leadership in tech adoption. With the Emirate’s strong commitment to environmental action, we are confident the drone sector will open new opportunities to support environmental protection in Dubai."

The collaboration between DECCA and Domus Group links regulatory expertise with aviation event experience and drone-sector networks. It supports Dubai’s existing environmental plans by scaling the use of drones for data collection, conservation and enforcement, while keeping future technological choices aligned with local laws and long-term sustainability objectives.

With inputs from WAM