Dubai officially commenced the use of drones for delivering medicines and parcels on Tuesday, marking a major step in the city’s adoption of innovative transportation technologies. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) awarded its first drone delivery licence to Keeta Drone, which will operate six drones in the initial phase at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO).
The launch included the unveiling of four operational delivery routes within DSO, covering key locations such as the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT-Dubai) and Dubai Digital Park. These routes aim to ensure fast delivery of essential items, including food and medicine.
Keeta Drone is collaborating with Fakeeh University Hospital, Americana, and RIT-Dubai to expand drone delivery capabilities, exploring high-priority medical deliveries and emergency services. The initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to integrating advanced technology into everyday services.
The inaugural order using the new system was placed by 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 order, placed from RIT-Dubai, was successfully delivered from a designated take-off point within DSO’s drone network.
Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been accelerating efforts to adopt emerging transportation technologies such as drones and flying cars to reduce traffic congestion and enhance logistical efficiency. This first-of-its-kind drone delivery system in the Middle East is part of Dubai’s broader vision to embrace cutting-edge solutions for a smarter future.