INNOVATION

The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) and Aramex have officially launched the pilot testing of Aramex's innovative autonomous robot delivery system at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO). DSO, a member of DIEZ, serves as a hub for knowledge and innovation, making it the ideal location for this forward-thinking initiative. This milestone represents a significant step toward integrating sustainable autonomous delivery vehicles into Dubai’s urban infrastructure. In alignment with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, it supports Dubai's vision to transform 25% of its transportation system into autonomous modes by 2030. The three-month pilot phase, expected to achieve full operational status by September, will initially serve the Cedre Villas community in Dubai Silicon Oasis. It features a state-of-the-art, multi-cabin delivery robot—an advanced upgrade from earlier single-cabin models.

The primary objective of the Dubai Program to Enable Drone Transportation is exploring the use of drones in several sectors, including health, security, shipping and food. It also seeks to improve people’s lives by reducing carbon emissions generated by traditional shipping and transportation methods and facilitating the movement of goods and materials.
The UAE has already started testing such capabilities by attracting thousands of innovators in this field from 165 countries to participate in the UAE Drones for Good Award that was launched in 2014. Sheikh Hamdan added, “Our projects place quality of life at the top of their priorities. We will continue to develop and implement innovative ideas on the ground. We have the right environment, infrastructure and legislation for the use of drones. We also have the laboratories, expertise and talent to translate prototypes into viable solutions.”
The program also aims to attract talent as well as local and foreign investments to the drone applications sector apart from aiming to create new jobs and stimulating economic activity in relevant fields. President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, His Highness Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, opined, “This Act is considered one of the projects of the Dubai Sky Dome Initiative; this initiative aims to create a virtual airspace infrastructure for drone systems, through which public spaces and buildings will be connected through airstrips and mini-airports throughout Dubai and to develop major infrastructure schemes for airports, airstrips, multi-use stations and ground service sites."The schemes will include promoting the concept of public transport in the Emirate, creating multi-modular transportation systems in order to promote the concept of integration of air vehicles and different ground transportation systems.”
The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) will oversee the implementation of the outputs of the Dubai Program to Enable Drone Transportation through Dubai Future Labs and the first applied research and development laboratory in the region specializing in future technology.This initiative will also include the development of systems to manage the movement of drones and the development of an integrated smart platform for all services related to the organization of drone operations, such as the granting of immediate permits to drones and their operators, in order to ensure air security and safety and ensure that the efficiency of Emirates’ airspace is not affected.This program is considered one of the leading and innovative initiatives that are the result of joint efforts between government and private parties in order to achieve the vision of the future, he added.

Dubai Municipality signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones (DIEZ) Authority as part of the Dubai Horizons System, which organizes routes in low-altitude airspace and drone landing locations. The MoU supports the aspirations of Dubai in the field of air mobility and achieving objectives and strategies of Dubai Municipality for the Dubai Horizons System with regard to planning routes for drones, airport locations, and low-altitude airspace landing locations, based on the partners’ experiences in civil aviation requirements and policies related to it, and the Municipality’s expertise in urban planning.The MoU was signed in the presence of Eng. Mariam Al Muhairi, Acting CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality; and Eng. Muammar Al Katheeri, Chief Officer Engineering and Sustainability at the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ).
Al Muhairi said: “The agreements and strategic partnerships related to the Dubai Horizons System are in line with the aspirations of the Emirate of Dubai in the field of infrastructure for the aviation sector and the locations of airports and runways designated for drones. It ensures development services related to this sector and reinforces the attractiveness, leadership, and competitiveness of Dubai and its leading position in the industry. The MoU further supports the strategic cooperation and exchange of experiences and knowledge in the various fields of work of Dubai Municipality and ‘DIEZ’, and benefits from the joint services provided that enhance the Municipality’s efforts in adopting and supporting leading solutions in geographic information systems.”
Eng. Muammar Al Katheeri, Chief Officer Engineering & Sustainability at Dubai Integrated Economic Zone (DIEZ) said: “This step aligns with the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority’s commitment to enhancing cooperation and coordination with various government entities in Dubai and the UAE. The aim is to provide the necessary facilities and support for Dubai’s future plans in aviation and other sectors. This endeavour seeks to strengthen the investment environment of Dubai, consolidating its reputation as a global role model. The collaboration with Dubai Municipality showcases our dedication to contributing to the growth and future development of Dubai. This partnership strives to improve the quality of life and enhance the emirate’s global competitiveness, in line with the Dubai Urban Plan 2040”.
The MoU further states sharing databases, geographical digital information, and 3D charts, which indicates the planning standards for low-altitude airspace in Dubai Silicon Oasis. Both parties will also exchange data and digital information related to route planning for drones and the locations of landing in low-altitude airspace.Furthermore, under this MoU, the parties will provide the infrastructure of servers and geographic databases which are required to store the data and 3D charts and publish them on the appropriate systems. Consulting services in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will also be offered; in order to accomplish the interests of the respective parties. Additionally, they will also outline the communication mechanisms and define necessary contacts to handle requests, as well as emergency situations and escalating communications.The MoU further stipulates that DIEZ is also committed to supporting Dubai Municipality in this project, including assistance with the mechanisms for implementing the pilot phase related to planning drone routes and low-altitude airspace landing locations. It further entails organizing specialized workshops in the region relating to the planning standards, and the provision of engineering and planning legislation that has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority, in addition to coordinating with the Municipality in low-altitude airspace planning, by ensuring compatibility and harmony with its future urban plans.