Dubai Identifies Routes and Landing Zones for Drone Delivery

In a significant development, Dubai is making strides towards implementing drone delivery services, marking a significant step in the realm of logistics. The collaborative project, named ‘Dubai Horizons,’ between Dubai Municipality and the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), has completed its initial phase. This phase focused on planning low-altitude airspace routes and designating specific landing zones for drones. The project, executed at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), involved evaluating various aspects, including airspace planning, drone operations, privacy policy, and air navigation safety.

A recent BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) trial at DSO showcased the secure transportation of consumer goods using drones. The drones featured proprietary connectivity systems, navigation tools, and safety features like parachutes and collision avoidance. The completion of the ‘Dubai Horizons’ project is expected to enhance Dubai’s readiness for drone and air delivery services, establishing clear and well-defined routes while elevating air navigation security and safety standards.

As part of this initiative, Dubai Municipality will provide digital geospatial twin databases, including 3D maps of city landmarks. The aim is to create an infrastructure connecting places and buildings through mini runways and airports, supporting Dubai’s vision to become a global drone industry hub.

Drones are anticipated to revolutionize parcel delivery, offering quicker and more efficient services. Companies like Aramex and Dronamics foresee the possibility of delivering courier packages via drones as early as next year, bringing about faster turn-around operations and facilitating last-mile deliveries. The evolving drone landscape was showcased during Gitex Global 2023, highlighting the potential for autonomous drones to be a faster and more convenient alternative for deliveries in Dubai’s dynamic environment.

Read more: UAE to Get Air Taxis, Will Cut Travel Time by 40%.

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