Abu Dhabi Launches First Drone Delivery Flight Trial

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office 

Abu Dhabi has taken a big step toward the future of smart transport. With the support of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), a trial flight for drone-based parcel delivery was completed successfully. This marks the first pilot flight of autonomous drones for package delivery in the emirate.

This project was led by LODD, an aviation technology company, and 7X, a holding group that runs EMX, a company focused on fast and reliable delivery. The goal is to create new ways to deliver parcels using smart, driverless drones.

The test was carried out in Khalifa City, where a drone safely flew from a local post office and dropped a package at a selected location. The drone used a special winch system to lower the package, showing how safe and secure this new system can be.

This trial is part of a bigger plan made by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) and supported by ADIO. The council wants to make smart mobility (like self-driving cars and drones) more common in Abu Dhabi. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Integrated Transport Centre also helped supervise the trial, ensuring it followed all safety rules.

Why This Is Important

This drone delivery test is more than just a cool idea. It is part of Abu Dhabi’s larger plan to:

• Build future-ready transport infrastructure

• Support local production of new technology

• Help Abu Dhabi become a world leader in innovation and smart industries

Omran Malek, who leads the SAVI cluster (Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry) at ADIO, said this test shows how local teamwork and smart planning are helping Abu Dhabi grow as a tech leader. He also said this kind of innovation can bring long-term economic and infrastructure benefits to the emirate.

Focus on Safety and Rules

Humaid Saber Al Hameli, a director at the Integrated Transport Centre, said the safety of Abu Dhabi’s airspace is always a top priority. He explained that this trial helps them build the rules and systems needed to safely use drones in daily life.

He also said this trial shows the power of working together — when the government and private companies team up, big things can happen. They are working to create smart solutions that will make Abu Dhabi more competitive and advanced.

 A Faster and Smarter Way to Deliver

Rashid Al Manai, the CEO of LODD, shared that drone deliveries can make urban delivery faster and more efficient. One person can operate many drones at once, which can save time and costs in the delivery process.

Tariq Al Wahedi, CEO of 7X, said this new technology fits with the UAE’s plans for smart and future-ready transport systems. By using drones in EMX’s delivery services, they can improve how far and how fast they deliver parcels across the country.

What’s Next?

LODD and 7X are still working closely with government agencies and partners to improve the system. They will keep testing, collecting feedback, and making sure everything meets the rules. This is just the first step — more drone deliveries are planned as part of a larger rollout across Abu Dhabi.

With strong support from both the private and public sectors, Abu Dhabi is moving closer to becoming a regional leader in autonomous air transport. The future of drone delivery is no longer science fiction — it's already taking off.