When startup founders fly with confidence
I still remember the first time I met Malik al Nabhani and Anwaar al Hinai. Fresh out of engineering school, they reached out, eager to learn how their corporate employers could contribute to local content development. Even then, their curiosity and drive were evident. Years later, in 2020, they took a brave leap, leaving behind the stability of corporate life to build something extraordinary.
That leap became Serb, a startup that disrupted the aviation world with its cutting-edge Unmanned Traffic Management System (UTMS). UTMS is what keeps drone operations safe, efficient and scalable—integrating airspace, regulations and technology into one seamless system. This was not just another tech startup; it was a mission to transform how drones operate in the Sultanate of Oman and beyond.
The journey wasn't easy. For five years, Malik, Anwaar, and their team strategised, built, and pitched their vision to investors across Oman, the GCC, and international platforms like the Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal. They navigated the ups and downs of the startup world, learning, iterating and pushing forward. This year, their persistence paid off in a big way.
Serb rebranded from AirGo and secured a vital partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority, led by Naif al Abri and his team. Working closely with the Authority for SME Development, the Promising Startups Programme, and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Serb is now the backbone of Oman's drone industry. It has simplified the complex world of drone regulation, making it easier for pilots and regulators to collaborate, ensuring safety while unlocking massive new opportunities.
Drones are no longer just high-tech toys; they're transforming industries. In photography, healthcare, education, delivery, defence and emergency response, drones are becoming an everyday necessity. Thanks to Serb, hundreds of drone pilots in Oman can now get their AirPass licence for under RO 100, opening doors to new careers and business opportunities.
The global unmanned traffic management market is projected to reach RO 1.2 billion by 2031, growing at a rapid pace. Oman's startup ecosystem, though young, is gaining momentum, valued at around RO 133 million between 2021 and 2023. Serb is not just part of this movement—it's leading the way, proving that Omani startups can compete on a global scale.
The story of Serb offers valuable lessons for any aspiring entrepreneur. First, challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones. Malik and Anwaar built their success in the face of uncertainty, proving that persistence and adaptability matter more than initial advantages. Second, innovation doesn't happen in isolation. They leveraged Oman's growing ecosystem, engaged with regulators and positioned Serb within a global movement. Finally, confidence is key. They didn't wait for the perfect conditions or endless funding; they took action, refined their vision and pushed forward.
Serb is more than a startup. It's a symbol of what's possible when founders believe in their mission and refuse to give up. Their journey is proof that when entrepreneurs take flight with confidence, they don't just build companies—they reshape industries and inspire entire nations.
The writer is an innovator and an insights storyteller
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