Dubai has unveiled the Middle East’s first-of-its-kind drone delivery system, highlighting its commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation and strengthen the economy.
The drone delivery system was launched by 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 Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF).
The launching event, held at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), witnessed the presence of H.H. 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.
The inaugural order using the drone delivery system through the platform was placed from the Rochester Institute of Technology-Dubai (RIT-Dubai). H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed emphasized Dubai’s ongoing efforts to develop advanced infrastructure and foster an innovative environment to enhance smart logistics and cutting-edge air transport solutions.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman – Dubai Executive Council
“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 catalyze 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.”
The launching ceremony was also attended by Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State For Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); Lieutenant General Talal Belhoul Al Falasi, President of Dubai’s State Security Department; and several senior officials.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan also stressed the significance of economic growth driven by R&D and innovation, as well as Dubai’s key role in driving innovation and creating new opportunities.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum emphasized that Dubai’s global leadership in aviation, logistics, and future mobility stems from the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This vision has cemented Dubai status as one of the most advanced hubs for air transport and aviation solutions.
Dubai Programme to Enable Drone Transportation, initiated by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2021, reached its culmination with the pilots at Dubai Silicon Oasis.
The MoU for the program’s operations was signed by several government and private sector entities, including Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, the Roads and Transport Authority, Fakeeh University Hospital, Majid Al Futtaim, and Emirates SkyCargo.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, highlighted their commitment to supporting initiatives that leverage advanced technologies to facilitate people’s daily lives, and provide a conducive environment to pilot smart solutions ahead of implementation.
“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,” added Mohammed Abdullah Linjawi, Director General of DCAA.
