UAE Deputy PM Launches Middle East's First Drone Delivery System At Dubai Silicon Oasis

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Middle East's first drone delivery system at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), a hub for innovation and a part of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority.

Sheikh Hamdan, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the UAE and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), placed the first order using the new drone delivery system during the launch, which was also attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports.

The order, made through the platform from the Rochester Institute of Technology-Dubai (RIT-Dubai), was successfully delivered from one of the take-off points in DSO's drone network.

"We continue to support projects that drive a diversified, flexible digital economy by leveraging advanced technology in Dubai and empowering the aviation and air transport sectors," the crown prince said, according to WAM.

"Our strategy places a high priority on strengthening public-private partnerships to catalyze research and development (R&D), sustainable growth, and smart mobility. This aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position Dubai among the world's top three urban economies," he added.

Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the importance of economic growth through research and development (R&D) and innovation. He mentioned that Dubai has launched several programs in recent years to promote smart city solutions, improve economic integration, and use technology for societal benefit.

These programs include the Dubai Program to Enable Drone Transportation, the Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme, the Dubai Research and Development Program, and efforts to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption.

The crown prince noted that these initiatives are now yielding impressive results and contributing to projects that aim to double Dubai's economy by 2033. He also emphasized that robotic technologies, self-driving systems for retail services, digital transformation, and the use of artificial intelligence are now a reality in Dubai.

Sheikh Hamdan highlighted Dubai's leadership in driving innovation and creating new opportunities. He noted that Dubai has consistently been at the forefront of advancing research, innovation, and transformative technologies.

A decade ago, the UAE launched the Drones for Good Award to promote the positive use of drone technology. Now, Dubai has reached a major milestone with the readiness to start drone delivery operations.