As last-mile costs soar, UAE retailers mull drone deliveries

LULU UNDERTAKES FEASIBILITY STUDY IN DUBAI, RIVALS MIGHT FOLLOW SUIT

- BY MANOJ NAIR

Hypermarket operator LuLu might launch drone delivery of grocery and other products in Dubai, as leading retailers and quick-service delivery companies weigh how to make such services profitable.

According to informed sources, LuLu has begun feasibility studies. However, any move to commercially launch drone-based deliveries would require approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

At least one other major supermarket chain in the UAE is considering similar plans. Gulf News spoke to other potential contenders in the quick delivery by drone space, including leading e-commerce players, but none confirmed active projects.

Game-changer?

If LuLu or other big names in UAE retail adopt drone-based delivery, it could reshape how quickly and efficiently services reach customers.