Drone Delivery Takes Flight in Nad Al Sheba as Dubai Launches Smart, Sustainable Route
Ashwini Gambo
Dubai:
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), in partnership with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) and Keeta Drone, has officially launched a smart and sustainable drone delivery route in the Nad Al Sheba area. This landmark initiative represents a major step forward in Dubai’s vision to become a global hub for smart mobility and aerial logistics, showcasing how advanced drone technology can seamlessly integrate into daily urban life.
The new route enables autonomous drones to deliver food orders from restaurants and cafés located within Nad Al Sheba Avenue Mall directly to residents in surrounding neighborhoods. The Nad Al Sheba Grand Mosque has been designated as the drone landing and collection point, providing a central, easily accessible hub for aerial deliveries.
According to Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director General of the DCAA, the initiative highlights Dubai’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and service efficiency. “This initiative reflects Dubai’s leadership in embracing innovation that enhances everyday life,” Lengawi said. “Keeta Drone has pioneered this technology, and we look forward to seeing drone delivery become an everyday reality across the city. By enabling smart delivery corridors, we are shaping a sustainable and technology-driven future for Dubai.”
The launch supports the emirate’s broader Dubai Smart Mobility Strategy, which aims to integrate drones and autonomous systems into essential public and commercial services. By deploying an environmentally friendly delivery system, the project reduces traffic congestion, lowers carbon emissions, and aligns with Dubai’s Net Zero 2050 objectives. The DCAA has also emphasized that the framework developed for Nad Al Sheba will serve as a model for expanding drone operations to additional districts across the emirate, with future routes planned for Dubai Silicon Oasis, Business Bay, and Jumeirah.
This milestone demonstrates how public-private collaboration can accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies in urban logistics. It also sets the stage for the next phase of Dubai’s drone ecosystem, which includes testing aerial corridors for e-commerce deliveries, emergency response, and municipal services.
For more information and updates on the DCAA’s drone delivery initiatives, visit:
