Dubai launches new route for drone parcel delivery

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

In collaboration with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and Keeta Drone, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has launched a new drone delivery service in Nad Al Sheba.

Drones will deliver food orders from Avenue Mall restaurants and cafés to Nad Al Sheba residents via a collection point at Nad Al Sheba Grand Mosque.

This launch marks a new milestone in Dubai's efforts to establish itself as a global hub for smart transportation and advanced air logistics services.

The route was officially inaugurated by Mohammed Abdullah Linjawy, Director General of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and the first order was delivered by drone to the Nad Al Sheba area.

The launch was attended by senior officials from government entities and strategic partners in Dubai, including Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, Bader Buhannad, Director General of Dubai Silicon Oasis, Sultan Butti Bin Mejren and Sayed Ismail Mohammed Al Hashimi, Acting Executive Director of the Corporate Support Services Sector at Dubai Municipality.

Mohammed Abdullah Linjawi said, "This initiative reflects Dubai's commitment to embracing innovative technologies that enhance daily life. At Keeta Drone, we have been at the forefront of developing this technology, and we are excited to see drone delivery become an everyday occurrence across the emirate. By enabling smart delivery lanes, we are helping build a sustainable, technology-driven future for Dubai.”

Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi said, "This collaboration marks a significant step forward in integrating the public and private sectors to support Dubai’s smart transformation goals. It demonstrates a pioneering approach to using technology to serve humanity and improve daily life. Selecting the Nad Al Sheba Grand Mosque as the starting point for the connectivity project showcases a forward-thinking vision for the role of mosques in fostering sustainable communities, recognising their status as vital community hubs that adapt to modern needs. At the department, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting innovative national initiatives that contribute to achieving the vision of our wise leadership: to make Dubai a global model of balanced development that combines authenticity and innovation.”

Keeta Drone currently operates four routes in Dubai Silicon Oasis. The addition of the Nad Al Sheba route is a significant expansion of the company's network in the UAE, providing fast, contactless and eco-friendly delivery services to residential and commercial areas.

This initiative falls under the regulatory framework of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and demonstrates how public-private partnerships can transform the urban logistics ecosystem while maintaining the highest safety and compliance standards.

Junwei Yang, General Manager of Keeta Drone, said, "This achievement marks the beginning of our commercial operations and the expansion of our drone delivery route network across Dubai. This route not only represents technological advancement, but also Dubai's vision of creating smarter, faster and more sustainable cities."