BY MICHAEL UDONWA, FOUNDER OF AERIAL SURV DRONES
Founder of Aerial Surv Drones: Michael Udonwa
I have worked in property and community management since 2004, beginning my career in London before relocating to the UAE over a decade ago. During my time in Dubai, I noticed a growing disparity between the scale of modern residential and commercial towers and the resources allocated for their effective maintenance.
Driven by a passion for innovation, I recognised an opportunity to combine my experience in asset oversight with my fascination for drones. This synergy led to the creation of Aerial Surv, a precision-driven aerial inspection service designed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market.
A New Perspective on Property Oversight.
Imagine taking control of a substantial community as an Owners Association Management company, burdened by hidden structural defects or unauthorised modifications on balconies that may remain unnoticed for years. This is the silent challenge that asset managers face daily, and it’s precisely the issue Aerial Surv aims to tackle.
Why Drones?
Drones are no longer mere gadgets; they are powerful tools reshaping industries from cinematography to agriculture. In property management and real estate, drones tackle a persistent challenge: the inefficiency of traditional building inspections.
Beyond inspections, we are also equipped to capture stunning aerial photography and cinematic, high-quality video using high-definition drone cameras.
Consider This: manually inspecting one of Dubai’s largest gated communities for unauthorised alterations, illegal disposal of construction waste materials, and unauthorised rooftop structures could typically require months of manual labour by large technical teams, incurring significant costs. In contrast, drone inspections can complete this task in just a few days, delivering high-resolution imagery and digital records, all without disrupting residents or requiring complex scaffolding or equipment.
Prioritising Privacy and Professionalism
At Aerial Surv, privacy and professionalism are central to our operations. Our drone inspections are specifically designed to focus exclusively on rooftops, facades, and structural elements—never capturing residents or interior spaces.
We work closely with authorised property stakeholders to ensure that all aerial activities align with established community standards and expectations. By limiting our scope to non-intrusive, assetfocused imaging, we provide actionable insights while maintaining personal space and trust.
Strategic Asset Intelligence for Executive Decision-Makers
For today’s executives, comprehending the actual state of a property asset encompasses more than mere maintenance; it involves safeguarding long-term value, minimising liability, and ensuring portfolio resilience. Aerial Surv meets this need with intelligent aerial data that allows leaders to make quicker, clearer, and more assured decisions, whether on-site or from anywhere in the world.
The Birth of Aerial Surv
The concept for Aerial Surv was born during a routine site visit. While working with a community team, we struggled to identify unauthorised modifications on a villa that was entirely concealed by mature trees. It became clear that aerial access could solve the problem instantly.
I began researching drone aviation regulatory requirements before investing in licensing, selecting the ideal drones, and ensuring regulatory compliance, while also developing a service model that combined the rigour of aviation safety with deep real estate expertise.
What began with a single drone and a vision has now gained traction with asset managers, developers, facilities teams, and site supervisors across various sectors. From estates under construction to warehouse facilities, mixed-use buildings, and retail spaces, Aerial Surv offers scalable drone inspection solutions tailored to a wide range of property types and operational needs.
Case in Point
In a recent project involving a mixed-use commercial block in Dubai Marina, our drone inspection uncovered several unauthorised modifications to rooftops that had evaded checks at ground level for over a year. Within 48 hours, the client received detailed imagery, reports, and actionable insights, saving them from potential fines and restoring compliance swiftly.
What’s Next?
Aerial Surv is expanding its services to the UK and select African markets, where property development is accelerating. Our vision is to make aerial inspections as standard as fire safety checks, an essential tool in every asset manager’s toolkit.
As developers and facility management teams face increasing pressure to cut costs, improve transparency, and enhance operational efficiency, the future is clear: drones are not merely an emerging technology; they are rapidly becoming the industry standard.
At Aerial Surv, we take pride in being at the forefront of this transformation, helping our clients view their assets from an entirely new perspective.
The View from Above is Just the Beginning
As real estate markets evolve, so too must the tech we employ to manage them. Aerial Surv is not merely responding to change; we are actively shaping it. For those guiding tomorrow’s developments, the question is no longer whether aerial inspections are necessary, but how soon you will begin.
