Million dollar drone contest to launch in Dubai

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Million dollar drone contest to launch in Dubai Drone designers and pilots will have the chance to land $1 million when the first annual racing series of its kind launches in Dubai next year. The World Drone Prix, which will comprise speed and freestyle events, will start in the emirate on March 11 and run until December, with other cities around the world about to take part in a bidding process to host races. “We aspire to be the world’s most dynamic city and this championship is one of a number of emerging sports we are proud to have been part of encouraging,” said HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. “Designing and producing racing drones is expected to become a $4 billion industry by 2020 and Dubai intends to lead the way in encouraging innovation and the development of pioneering drone technologies.” The million dollar prize will be awarded to the winner of the speed event, while a further prize award will be made in the freestyle category. Applications to take part in the qualification rounds will be accepted until February 15, 2016, and the race is open to any team or individual in the world. Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said: “We hope this event and others like it will accelerate innovation in this important emerging technology.” To support the World Drone Prix and provide a regulatory basis for fair and open competition, a federation will be founded. The World Organisation of Racing Drones (WORD) will oversee and support the series. “We are keen to use this event to push for investment and development in peaceful and creative applications of drone technologies,” Sheikh Hamdan said. “We have already started on this path with the international Drones for Good award, which annually grants $1 million for pioneering applications of these technologies.” news@7days.ae Read the original story at: Million dollar drone contest to launch in Dubai