Dubai has officially launched a groundbreaking drone delivery service, becoming the first in the region to roll out a system aimed at delivering medicines, food, and other essential items. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) awarded the first license to Keeta Drone, marking the beginning of operations at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) with six drones deployed initially.
The delivery routes include key locations such as the Rochester Institute of Technology-Dubai (RIT-Dubai) and Dubai Digital Park. The move is part of Dubai’s efforts to embrace advanced technologies and ease urban mobility.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, placed the first official order through the drone system. The order was successfully delivered within DSO's network. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted Dubai’s vision to strengthen public-private partnerships and boost innovation, aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to position the emirate among the top three global urban economies.
Future Plans and Safety Measures
Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director-General of DCAA, stated that drone deliveries would cover 33% of Dubai by 2030. He emphasized the system's safety and reliability, noting rigorous testing over the past 1.5 years.
“We are starting with Dubai Silicon Oasis, and we plan to expand the routes to cover the entire city,” said Lengawi.
Keeta Drone’s Global Expansion
Keeta Drone, a subsidiary of Chinese tech giant Meituan, chose Dubai as its first overseas location following successful operations in China. Yinian Mao, Vice-President of Meituan, described Dubai as an ideal city for drone deliveries, citing its high demand for fast delivery services and extreme weather challenges.
“Dubai serves as a model city that can inspire other regions in the GCC and MENA,” Mao said.
Transformative Impact
Dr. Mohaymen Abdelghany, CEO of Fakeeh University Hospital, emphasized the transformative potential of drone deliveries in healthcare, saying it enables faster access to medicines and, in the future, the transport of blood samples and other critical items.
Proven Success in China
Keeta Drone launched its first commercial service in Shenzhen in 2021 and now operates 53 routes across major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The company has completed over 400,000 deliveries to various locations, including offices, parks, campuses, and residential areas, offering a catalog of 90,000 products.
Dubai’s move to embrace drone technology marks a significant step toward enhancing smart mobility, improving delivery efficiency, and fostering innovation in the region.
