Dubai: Dubai has once again taken a step into the unknown with the launch of the inaugural World Drone Prix, scheduled to be held on March 11 next year.

The event was announced by Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, at the launch of the World Organisation of Racing Drones (WORD) on the sidelines of the 2015 FAI World Air Games that concluded at Skydive Dubai on Saturday.

Next year’s competition, to be held in two disciplines, namely the freestyle and speed categories, is the first of its kind in the world and carries a prize fund of over $1 million (Dh3.67 million).

“We love challenges. In Dubai, we believe that every end is the beginning of a new journey. Since the beginning of time humans have always challenged themselves to great heights. Today under the patronage and direction of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, we will host the biggest competition for drones in the world,” Al Gergawi said in his remarks.

It is estimated that the designing and production of racing drones is expected to touch the $4 billion mark by 2020 and Dubai intends to lead the way in encouraging innovation and the development of pioneering drone technologies.

“This is the future of racing and we are keen on pushing the boundaries of technology until it becomes the vehicle of the future. Dubai is no longer the city that dreams of a future. It is the city of the future and a race for the best pilots in the world will be one of the things that proves this,” he added.

The million dollar prize will be awarded to the winner of the speed racing event, while a separate prize will be installed for the freestyle event winner. Applications to take part in the qualifying rounds will be accepted until February 15 with the race thrown open to any team or individual from anywhere in the world.

The inaugural season of the World Drone Prix will run till December 2016, with other cities around the world already set to join the first series. “We aim to create the world’s most sophisticated drone race, pushing the boundaries of both the teams and the manufacturers for them to innovate and lead,” said Omar Sultan Al Olama, General Secretary, WORD.