Dubai officially launched its first licensed drone delivery system on Tuesday, marking a new step in smart transportation. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) granted the license to Keeta Drone, which started operations with six drones at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO).
First Drone Delivery System in Dubai
The signing ceremony saw DCAA award Keeta Drone as the first operator in the program to enable drone-based deliveries. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are working to embrace new technologies like drones and flying cars to reduce traffic and improve delivery efficiency.
Four routes for drone deliveries were introduced at Dubai Silicon Oasis, covering key locations like the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT-Dubai) and Dubai Digital Park. These drones will deliver essential items, including food and medicines.
First Delivery Order by Sheikh Hamdan
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, placed the first official order using the drone delivery system. The delivery successfully traveled between the take-off and landing points at Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that Dubai is committed to adopting advanced technology to drive its economy and support innovation in transportation.
“A decade ago, we introduced the UAE Drones for Good Award to promote drone technology for positive use. Today, we’re ready for real-world drone delivery operations,” he said.
Drone Delivery Plans for Dubai
Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director-General of DCAA, said the program plans to cover 33% of Dubai by 2030. The system has undergone years of testing to ensure safety and reliability.
“We are starting with six drones at Dubai Silicon Oasis and will expand to other areas across Dubai soon,” Lengawi explained.
Keeta Drone’s Global Success
Keeta Drone, a subsidiary of China’s Meituan, is the first Chinese drone company to secure an overseas license. Since 2017, Keeta has launched successful drone deliveries in China, completing over 400,000 deliveries across major cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
Yinian Mao, Vice-President of Meituan and President of Keeta Drone, highlighted Dubai’s potential:
“Dubai’s high demand for delivery services and its challenging weather conditions make it ideal for drone delivery. Dubai’s progress will inspire the GCC region.”
Transformative Technology for Healthcare
Dr. Mohaymen Abdelghany, CEO of Fakeeh University Hospital, believes drone delivery will transform healthcare logistics:
“Patients can receive medicines faster and avoid traffic. With longer-range drones, we’ll even transport blood samples in the future.”
Future of Drone Delivery in Dubai
Dubai Silicon Oasis is the starting point, but the program will expand to more areas, ensuring faster and smarter deliveries across the emirate. This initiative showcases Dubai’s leadership in smart mobility and innovation.
