Abu Dhabi tests autonomous drone for parcel delivery

Abu Dhabi has successfully made its first autonomous drone parcel delivery.

The test flight, conducted in Khalifa City, involved a drone transporting a simulated package from a local post office to a designated drop zone using a secure winch-based system. This trial forms part of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council’s (SASC) broader strategy, supported by ADIO, to promote smart mobility solutions under the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster.

The operation was backed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), aviation technology firm LODD and investment holding group 7X. It aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global innovation hub and build future-ready infrastructure to support the growing demand for smart transport technologies.

Omran Malek, Head of the SAVI Cluster at ADIO, said, “This pilot is a powerful example of the kind of local collaborations that generate enduring economic and infrastructure value for the Emirate".

Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD, highlighted the operational advantages of drone logistics, saying, “Autonomous drones bring scalability and responsiveness to urban delivery networks, enabling one operator to manage multiple deliveries at once".

“This pilot underscores the importance of a secure regulatory environment that adapts to emerging technologies and supports Abu Dhabi’s vision for sustainable mobility", said Humaid Saber Al Hameli, Director of the Aviation Transport Division at the ITC.

Tariq Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X, added that integrating drone technology into EMX’s operations will expand the network’s reach and adaptability, aligning with national goals for smart and sustainable transport.

The pilot marks the first phase in the broader rollout of drone-based logistics services across the emirate. Continued collaboration among regulators, technology firms and logistics providers is expected to shape future developments in autonomous aerial mobility.