Drone that can hunt out landmines is up for Dhs1m prize in UAE

An unmanned aircraft that detects landmines is among 800 projects that have been submitted to the ‘UAE Drones for Good’ awards.

The creators of the drone said the device would “make the world a better place to live” through its use of smart technology.

Other nominations for the international award include drones that can deliver packages, plant one billion trees, clear fog in areas such as airport runways and ones that can improve slums across the world.

The award received entries from 57 countries, including Spain, the US and India, as well as a number of nations in the GCC, with Saudi Arabia topping the list of Arab countries with 18 entries.

The award was launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during the second Government Summit last February.

Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said that the award aims to promote innovation around the world by encouraging the use of technology to not only create happiness in society but make real improvements in people’s live.