Dubai Unveils First-Of-Its-Kind Drone Delivery System

H.H. 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 Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), unveiled the Middle East’s first-of-its-kind drone delivery system at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), a hub for innovation under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ).

The landmark launch was attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority and President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan placed the inaugural order through the system from the Rochester Institute of Technology-Dubai (RIT-Dubai), successfully delivered from a designated take-off point within DSO’s drone delivery network.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan reaffirmed Dubai’s commitment to advancing infrastructure, fostering innovation, and enhancing smart logistics in alignment with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to position Dubai as a future-ready global leader.

“We continue to support projects that leverage advanced technology to drive a flexible digital economy. Strengthening public-private partnerships is key to achieving sustainable growth and advancing smart mobility, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to make Dubai one of the world’s top three urban economies,” said H.H. Sheikh Hamdan.

The event also celebrated the culmination of the Dubai Programme to Enable Drone Transportation, launched in 2021. Over recent months, Dubai Silicon Oasis has hosted pilot operations for drone deliveries, ensuring safety and efficiency in collaboration with Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and Keeta Drone, a leading drone delivery platform from China.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, highlighted DSO’s role as a global testbed for smart solutions, saying, “This milestone marks Dubai’s progress in smart mobility and underscores our commitment to pioneering technological innovation.”

Dubai aims to achieve 33% drone delivery coverage by 2030, further positioning the emirate as a leader in smart mobility. The initiative supports Dubai’s broader strategies for innovation, sustainability, and enhancing quality of life.

With cutting-edge technology, including advanced flight control algorithms, low-noise propellers, and multi-sensor fusion positioning, the drone delivery system is set to transform logistics and mobility in Dubai and beyond.

This launch underscores Dubai’s dedication to integrating smart solutions into everyday life, driving economic growth, and creating a future-ready city.