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Dubai Survey Drones Explore Minerals In Central Asia
The UAVs reduce costs and boost efficiency by replacing helicopters and large teams of researchers and geophysicists.
Microavia, a UAE-based company established in Dubai in 2022, delivers drone-based solutions for security, monitoring, and surveying.
Now, the company is helping geologists and researchers explore mineral deposits in Central Asia and Kazakhstan. Microavia’s advanced aerial surveying platform, Fortis, provides detailed information about an area’s geological structure, reducing task times by half and drastically cutting costs.
“We have successfully concluded all preflight tests with Microavia Fortis. A special feature of their geodrone is their ability to stay in the air for up to 60 minutes. The drone can carry up to 12 kg of payload. [and has] shown high efficiency in conducting aeromagnetic surveys due to the stability of the flight direction even in strong winds and long flight time,” explained Kirill Bazhin, CEO of Geodevice Kazakhstan.
Microavia drones hover at low altitudes between 40 and 100 meters, scanning the ground in 400-meter-wide sections. Hundreds of miles of land can be surveyed in days instead of weeks or months, and mineral exploration missions can now be undertaken in previously inaccessible areas.
“Big thanks to Microavia for supplying us with their drones for Terra Exploration. The 45-minute flight time with the magnetometer is quite impressive! Moreover, their team provided us with a beneficial and enjoyable pilot course. I can’t wait to start using these drones in our work,” said Nikita Shaliuto, geophysicist of Terra Exploration.
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According to recent reports, aluminum, copper, gold, and lithium deposits fall short of anticipated demand. Central Asia, and especially Kazakhstan, has a vast unexplored reserve of minerals, and drone-based exploration can help speed up their extraction.
Microavia’s export of advanced UAVs is also bolstering efforts by the UAE to diversify its industrial sector from traditional oil, petroleum, and gas production.
News
PayPal & TerraPay Join Forces For Cross-Border MENA Payments
The collaboration will be especially helpful in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is limited or inconsistent.
PayPal has teamed up with TerraPay to improve cross-border payments across the Middle East and Africa. The move is designed to make it easier and faster for users to send and receive money internationally, especially in regions where traditional banking infrastructure can be limited or inconsistent.
The partnership connects PayPal’s digital payments ecosystem with TerraPay’s global money transfer network. The goal is to streamline real-time transfers between banks, mobile wallets, and financial institutions, significantly improving access for millions of users looking to move money securely and efficiently.
Through the partnership, users will be able to link their PayPal accounts to local banks and mobile wallets using TerraPay’s platform. This means faster transactions and fewer barriers for individuals and businesses across the region.
“The Middle East and Africa are at the forefront of the digital transformation, yet financial barriers still limit growth for many,” said Otto Williams, Senior Vice President, Regional Head and General Manager, Middle East and Africa at PayPal. “At PayPal, we’re committed to changing that […] Together, we’re helping unlock economic opportunity and build a more connected, inclusive financial future”.
For TerraPay, the deal is a chance to scale its reach while reinforcing its mission of frictionless digital transactions.
“Our mission at TerraPay is to create a world where digital transactions are effortless, secure, and accessible to all,” said Ani Sane, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at TerraPay. He added that the partnership is a major milestone for enhancing financial access in the Middle East and Africa, helping businesses grow and users move funds with fewer limitations.
Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East
The integration also aims to support financial inclusion in a region where access to global banking tools is still uneven. With interoperability at the core, TerraPay can bridge the gap between different financial systems — whether that’s a mobile wallet or a traditional bank — making it easier to send money, pay for services, or grow a business across borders.
As the demand for cross-border payment options continues to rise, both PayPal and TerraPay are doubling down on their commitment to provide reliable, secure, and forward-looking financial tools for the region.
PayPal & TerraPay Join Forces For Cross-Border MENA Payments
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