Keeta Drone Gets UAE’s First BVLOS License

Keeta Drone, a subsidiary of Chinese tech and retail giant Meituan, has made history by securing the
UAE’s first commercial license for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone deliveries, granted by the
Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA). This milestone marks Keeta Drone as the first Chinese drone
logistics operator to receive an overseas license, underscoring its expanding global presence.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy
Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, officially launched the drone delivery service at Dubai
Silicon Oasis (DSO). The launch introduced four operational drone delivery routes at DSO, connecting
key locations such as Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT-Dubai) and Dubai Digital Park. These routes
will ensure fast and efficient deliveries of food, medicine, and essential items, signaling the company’s
first major international venture.

The Crown Prince placed the first order through the Keeta Drone system, which was successfully
delivered from one of DSO’s designated take-off points to RIT-Dubai. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized
Dubai’s commitment to creating an innovative infrastructure to support advanced logistics and air
transport solutions, reinforcing Dubai’s vision of becoming a global leader in future-ready cities.

“Dubai continues to support projects that enhance the digital economy by leveraging advanced
technology in aviation, air transport, and logistics. Our strategy aims to strengthen public-private
partnerships to foster sustainable growth and smart mobility,” said His Highness Sheikh Hamdan.

Keeta Drone’s M-Drone Gen 3, a six-rotor drone with a 2.3 kg load capacity, will lead the charge in DSO’s
drone delivery network. Equipped with an intelligent dispatch system and automated infrastructure, the
drones provide safe, reliable, and efficient logistics solutions tailored for urban environments.

Dr. Yinian Mao, Vice President of Meituan and President of Keeta Drone, praised the UAE’s progressive
policies and robust technological support. “Dubai’s high demand for on-demand delivery services and
challenging weather conditions highlight the potential of drone delivery in enhancing efficiency and
reliability,” he said.

Founded in 2010, Meituan has championed digital innovation in retail, with on-demand delivery as a core
offering. Keeta Drone began exploring drones for air-ground local deliveries in 2017, launching its first
commercial service in Shenzhen, China in 2021. The company now operates 53 drone delivery routes
across major Chinese cities, completing over 400,000 deliveries.

At GITEX Global 2023, Keeta Drone announced its participation in the “Dubai Experimental Zone: BVLOS
Drone Delivery Program,” a joint initiative by the DCAA and Dubai Future Foundation. After meeting
rigorous operational standards, Keeta Drone achieved its final certification in 2024, solidifying its status as
a trusted BVLOS drone delivery provider in the UAE.

Keeta Drone is collaborating with partners like Fakeeh University Hospital, Americana, and Rochester
Institute of Technology to explore expanded drone use cases, including emergency and high-priority
medical deliveries.

Dr. Mohaymen Abdelghany, CEO of Fakeeh University Hospital UAE, highlighted the transformative
impact of drone deliveries for medications. “Drones provide a reliable and timely solution for critical needs such as plasma delivery, where every second counts,” he said.

In addition to improving service experiences, drone delivery can significantly reduce environmental
impact. Studies show that drones produce 84% less greenhouse gas emissions per package than diesel trucks and use 94% less energy, aligning with Keeta Drone’s sustainability goals and commitment to
green technology.