Abu Dhabi Launches First Drone Parcel Delivery Pilot

Photo: WAM

Abu Dhabi has taken a major step towards using drones for parcel deliveries. The first test flight of an autonomous drone delivering a package was recently carried out in Khalifa City. The trial was led by LODD, a tech company in aviation, and 7X, an investment group that manages the delivery company EMX.

This project is part of a bigger plan by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), with support from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). The goal is to bring smart and advanced transport solutions to Abu Dhabi.

The drone delivery trial was supervised by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Integrated Transport Centre. It falls under ADIO’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster, which helps build smarter transportation, supports local manufacturing, and boosts Abu Dhabi's status as a global innovation hub.

Omran Malek, who heads the SAVI cluster at ADIO, said this project shows how Abu Dhabi is using partnerships and smart planning to bring long-term value to its economy and infrastructure.

In the test, a drone carried a fake parcel from a local post office and dropped it safely using a winch system. It proved that drones can be used for deliveries in real-life conditions.

Humaid Saber Al Hameli, a senior official from the Integrated Transport Centre, said safety is a top priority. He added that this pilot project shows how strong cooperation between the government and private companies can help shape the future of smart aerial delivery in Abu Dhabi.

Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD, said that autonomous drones allow one operator to manage many deliveries at once, making the system faster and more flexible.

Tariq Al Wahedi, CEO of 7X, said the success of this trial is a big step towards building a modern and responsive delivery system. It fits with the UAE’s long-term vision for smart and sustainable transport.

This trial is just the beginning. Abu Dhabi plans to expand drone delivery services across the emirate, supported by modern regulations and infrastructure. The city is positioning itself as a leader in autonomous air mobility in the region.