Abu Dhabi: The UAE capital has taken a leap toward the future of logistics with the successful completion of its first autonomous drone parcel delivery trial, conducted in Khalifa City. The test saw a drone transport a mock package from a local post office to a designated drop zone using a secure winch-based delivery system.
The pilot project was led by aviation tech firm LODD and investment group 7X, which manages logistics provider EMX, with critical backing from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). The initiative is part of ADIO’s broader Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster, aligned with the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council’s (SASC) vision for next-gen mobility.
Regulatory oversight and safety protocols were ensured by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), reflecting the Emirate’s commitment to secure airspace integration.
Omran Malek, Head of SAVI at ADIO, said the trial reflects Abu Dhabi’s strategic commitment to adopting transformative logistics technologies that drive economic and infrastructural innovation.
Humaid Saber Al Hameli, Director of Aviation Transport at ITC, emphasized the importance of evolving airspace safety frameworks to accommodate drone technology as part of Abu Dhabi’s larger mobility ecosystem.
LODD CEO Rashid Al Manai highlighted the scalability of autonomous drones, noting that one operator can manage multiple deliveries simultaneously—boosting efficiency and responsiveness in urban delivery networks.
Tariq Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X, reiterated the group's commitment to modernizing logistics and integrating drone technology into EMX’s national delivery framework, aligning with the UAE’s smart mobility goals.
This successful trial represents the first phase of a long-term plan to expand drone-based logistics across Abu Dhabi. Ongoing collaboration between public and private sectors aims to refine systems, ensure compliance, and lay the groundwork for full-scale implementation, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a regional hub for autonomous air mobility.
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