Dubai Innovates with New Drone Food Delivery Service
Dubai is making strides in urban logistics by introducing a novel drone food delivery service that connects Avenue Mall directly to residents in the Nad Al Sheba area. This service, developed through a partnership between the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), and Keeta Drone, transforms the landscape of food delivery in the city.
A New Era of Smart Mobility
The Nad Al Sheba drone delivery corridor is part of Dubai’s extensive plans to integrate smart transportation into everyday urban life. By creating specialized drone delivery routes, the city aims to ease traffic congestion and enhance delivery efficiency, positioning itself as a leader in innovative mobility solutions.
Director General of DCAA, Mohammed Abdullah Linjawy, recently inaugurated this route. He emphasized the initiative’s significance, stating, “This service reflects Dubai’s commitment to adopting innovative technologies that improve daily life.” The project underscores the importance of bespoke delivery systems that are both safe and efficient.
Integrating Communities through Technology
The decision to use Nad Al Sheba Grand Mosque as the drone landing hub showcases an approach that merges technology with community needs. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of IACAD, reiterated this viewpoint, highlighting how the integration of public and private sectors supports Dubai’s smart transformation goals.
“This collaboration is a significant step forward,” he noted. “Using the mosque as a starting point illustrates a visionary approach to community engagement, recognizing the role of mosques as central hubs that can adapt to modern requirements.”
By incorporating traditional landmarks into its logistics network, the initiative not only enhances accessibility but also aligns with cultural values, creating a bridge between tradition and modern convenience.
Expanding the Drone Delivery Network
Already operating four delivery routes within Dubai Silicon Oasis, Keeta Drone is taking significant steps to expand its service in Nad Al Sheba. The aim is to link both residential and commercial areas, enabling prompt and eco-friendly deliveries. Junwei Yang, General Manager of Keeta Drone, remarked, “This marks the dawn of our commercial operations and the expansion of our delivery network. This route is more than just a technological leap; it symbolizes Dubai’s commitment to smarter, faster, and sustainable urban environments.”
The DCAA strictly regulates the service, ensuring that it meets safety and compliance standards while maintaining sustainability.
Global Experience and Local Impact
Keeta Drone, a branch of the Chinese tech and retail giant Meituan, stands as the first Chinese drone logistics entity to acquire an overseas license. Since starting its journey in drone logistics in 2017, the company has expanded its operations, launching its first commercial service in China in 2021.
In the last few years, Keeta has opened a network of 53 delivery routes across major Chinese cities, completing over 400,000 deliveries. The company’s experience is invaluable as it aims to replicate this success in Dubai, where, since its licensing in December 2024, it has rapidly evolved its operations, starting with initial drone deployments in Dubai Silicon Oasis.
A Commitment to Sustainable Urban Development
The newly established Nad Al Sheba drone corridor aligns with Dubai’s broader vision for smart and efficient urban infrastructure. By implementing drone logistics, city officials aim to mitigate traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions, further solidifying Dubai’s reputation as a global leader in smart city development.
This initiaitve not only serves as a promising pilot project for future drone-based logistics but also represents a commitment to innovation and sustainability, setting a benchmark for modern urban services in dynamically evolving cities. By combining technological advancement with community-oriented solutions, Dubai is poised to redefine the logistics landscape for years to come.
