Drone deliveries have launched in Dubai as city sees results of technical innovation for futuristic transport.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Future Foundation (DFF), launched the Middle East’s first-of-its-kind drone delivery system at Silicon Oasis (DSO),
Sheikh Hamdan placed the first order using the drone delivery system through the platform from the Rochester Institute of Technology, one of the landing points within DSO’s drone delivery network.
Drone delivery in Dubai
The order was successfully delivered from one of the take-off points in the community.
Sheikh Hamdan reaffirmed a commitment to developing advanced infrastructure and fostering an innovative environment to enhance smart logistics and cutting-edge air transport solutions, aligned with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish the city as a leader among future-ready cities.
He said: “We continue to support projects that drive a diversified, flexible digital economy by leveraging advanced technology in Dubai and empowering the aviation and air transport sectors. Our strategy places a high priority on strengthening public-private partnerships to catalyse research and development (R&D), sustainable growth, and smart mobility.
“This aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position Dubai among the world’s top three urban economies.
“Over the past years, we have launched a series of programmes in Dubai aimed at promoting the development of smart city solutions, enhancing economic integration between various sectors, and employing technology in the service of society, such as the Dubai Programme to Enable Drone Transportation, the Dubai Robotics and Automation Program, the Dubai Research and Development Program, and Dubai’s annual plan to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence.
“Today, we are reaping the impressive results of these initiatives and continuing the transformational projects that will double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033.”
Sheikh Hamdan further said: “The future of robotic technologies and self-driving systems for retail services, and knowledge-based economic applications, innovation, digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence have all become a reality in Dubai.
“Dubai has consistently led the way in advancing research, innovation, and the adoption of transformative technologies. A decade ago, we introduced the UAE Drones for Good Award to encourage the positive use of drone technology.
“Today, we have reached a significant milestone with operational readiness to commence drone delivery operations. Through strong collaboration between the public and private sectors, we aim to further raise the quality of services, enhance quality of life, and accelerate economic growth.”
Sheikh Hamdan’s comments were made during the completion of a joint project between Civil Aviation Authority, the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), and the Future Foundation (DFF), to finalise preparations for launching drone delivery services in DSO.
Their efforts resulted in the creation of dedicated air routes aligned with existing airspace usage in DSO.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, emphasised that Dubai’s global leadership in aviation, logistics, and future mobility stems from the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
This vision has established the city as one of the most advanced hubs for air transport and aviation solutions. The city also leads in excellence in research, development, and testing of cutting-edge technologies, including drones and related services, leveraging these innovations to drive development and serve communities worldwide.
The pilots at Silicon Oasis were the culmination of the city Program to Enable Drone Transportation, launched by Sheikh Hamdan in 2021.
The MoU to initiate the programme’s operations was signed by several government and private sector entities, including Silicon Oasis, Future Foundation, Civil Aviation Authority, the Roads and Transport Authority, Fakeeh University Hospital, Majid Al Futtaim, and Emirates SkyCargo.
Over the past few months, Silicon Oasis hosted a series of pilot operations for drone delivery operations to ensure the highest aviation safety and security standards.
This was done in cooperation with the DCAA and Keeta Drone, a pioneer in this field and the most well-known drone delivery platform in China. This is the company’s first venture outside the Greater China region.
Mohammed Abdullah Linjawi, Director General of DCAA, said: “We are committed to making a vital contribution to enhancing Dubai’s position as one of the cities best prepared for the future and a global hub for innovation in the aviation sector.
“This new achievement in the field of drone delivery reflects the continuous efforts made by the emirate under the guidance of the wise leadership, which has always attached great importance to developing safe and efficient transportation solutions that contribute to improving quality of life, strengthening Dubai’s future economy and making it a leading model in developing and implementing smart solutions in the field of aviation.
“Drone delivery will reach 33% of Dubai by 2030, positioning the emirate as a pioneer in smart mobility. We will continue our pioneering role in creating new opportunities by regulating and operating drones and paving the way for the introduction of various emerging and promising technologies in the field of aviation in cooperation with government and private entities, and applying the best international practices to ensure the safety of air operations and using the latest technologies to enhance the efficiency of advanced logistics services.”
With the aid of cutting-edge flight control algorithms and multi-sensor fusion positioning technology, the drone is designed to operate in various city landscapes. It is equipped with low-noise propellers, a parachute, and a flight control system, all developed in-house.
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