Dubai launches first drone delivery system in Middle East

Residents and workers in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) will soon enjoy drone deliveries for food, medicines, and essential items, marking a milestone for the Middle East.

The groundbreaking drone delivery system was launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, during an event attended by other key officials, including Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

The system is a collaboration between Dubai’s innovation hub and China’s Keeta Drone, a subsidiary of tech giant Meituan.

Keeta Drone holds the UAE’s first commercial license for “Beyond Visual Line of Sight” (BVLOS) drone operations, issued by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. This capability enables drones to operate beyond the operator’s immediate view, enhancing delivery efficiency.

Sheikh Hamdan demonstrated the platform by placing the first order from the Rochester Institute of Technology-Dubai, with the delivery successfully completed from a designated take-off point in DSO.

Keeta Drone’s M-Drone Gen 3, a six-rotor system, can carry up to 2.3 kilograms and operates using an advanced dispatch and automated infrastructure.

The initial rollout includes four delivery routes within DSO, covering areas like Dubai Digital Park and the Rochester Institute of Technology.

“Dubai’s high demand for on-demand delivery services and its extreme weather make drone delivery a game-changer for urban logistics,” said Dr. Yinian Mao, Vice President of Meituan and President of Keeta Drone.

Keeta Drone has already completed over 400,000 deliveries across 53 routes in major Chinese cities, with Dubai as its latest venture in redefining urban logistics.