A new drone delivery route has been launched in Dubai’s Nad Al Sheba area, enabling residents to receive food orders from a local mall via unmanned aerial vehicles. The project is a collaboration between the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), and the operator Keeta Drone, marking a significant step in the city’s adoption of advanced aerial logistics.
New Route Connects Mall to Mosque
The service allows drones to transport food from restaurants and cafés in Nad Al Sheba Avenue Mall directly to customers in the surrounding area. A designated landing point has been established at the Nad Al Sheba Grand Mosque, from where residents can collect their orders. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate drone technology into daily urban life, creating fast, contactless, and eco-friendly delivery solutions.
Advancing Dubai’s Smart City Goals
Officials state the drone corridor supports Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for smart transportation and aerial logistics. The project highlights how public-private partnerships can drive innovation while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.
“This initiative reflects Dubai’s leadership in embracing innovation that enhances everyday life,” said Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director General of the DCAA. “We look forward to seeing drone delivery become an everyday reality across the city. By enabling smart delivery corridors, we are shaping a sustainable and technology-driven future for Dubai.”
Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of IACAD, noted the collaboration connects technology with community service. He said choosing the mosque as a launch point “reflects a vision that extends the role of mosques in sustainable community development,” serving people’s needs while contributing to progress. The project aligns with wider efforts for tackling traffic congestion and smart mobility in Dubai.
Keeta Drone Expands Operations
For Keeta Drone, the Nad Al Sheba route is a key expansion. The company already operates four drone delivery routes within Dubai Silicon Oasis, but this new corridor is its first outside that zone.
“This milestone marks the start of our commercial operations and expansion across Dubai’s communities,” said Junwei Yang, General Manager of Keeta Drone. “It represents not just technological progress, but Dubai’s broader vision for smarter, faster, and greener cities.”
The launch is seen as an early step towards establishing a comprehensive, citywide framework for drone logistics. As these networks expand, they are expected to play a crucial role in reducing road congestion, cutting carbon emissions, and improving overall delivery efficiency, reinforcing Dubai’s plans to redefine the cities of tomorrow.
