Dubai aims for 70% drone delivery coverage in 5 years

TOP OFFICIAL SAYS PHASE 2 OF PROGRAMME TO LAUNCH BEFORE DUBAI AIRSHOW

- BY DHANUSHA GOKULAN Chief Reporter

Dubai is accelerating its drone delivery ambitions with plans to cover 70 per cent of the emirate within five years.

Phase Two of the programme will launch before the Dubai Airshow this year, according to Mohammad Abdullah Lengawi, director-general of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.

Phase 1 of Dubai's drone delivery initiative launched in December 2024 with the first commercial drone deliveries in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), using Keeta Drone technology. Keeta is a subsidiary of China's Meituan.

This initial phase involved planning low-altitude airspace routes, identifying landing zones, and conducting safety evaluations for transporting food, medicine, and other essentials within DSO.

The announcement marks a significant acceleration of Dubai's smart mobility plans, with drone delivery services set to reach 33 per cent of Dubai by 2026.