Abu Dhabi, UAE – June 25, 2025: A drone has successfully delivered a parcel in Abu Dhabi for the first time using a winch-based system, marking a significant milestone in the emirate’s push to develop autonomous logistics solutions.
The pilot project, conducted in Khalifa City, is part of a broader initiative to integrate smart mobility technologies into Abu Dhabi’s transport infrastructure.
The landmark operation was spearheaded by aviation technology firm LODD and logistics holding group 7X, with backing from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
The trial involved a drone delivering a simulated package from a local post office to a designated drop zone, showcasing the feasibility of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for urban delivery tasks.
The pilot was overseen by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety standards. ‘
The initiative forms part of the emirate’s Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) strategy and is supported by ADIO’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster.
Humaid Saber Al Hameli, Director of the Aviation Transport Division at the ITC, highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration. “Ensuring the safety and security of our airspace remains a top priority,” Al Hameli said.
“This pilot trial reflects the strength of collaboration between the public and private sectors, and represents a concrete step toward the future of smart aerial mobility in the emirate.”
The drone used in the test employed a winch mechanism to lower the package securely to the ground without requiring the drone to land, making it ideal for constrained urban environments. The success of the trial is expected to accelerate the deployment of drone delivery services across Abu Dhabi.
Omran Malek, Head of the SAVI Cluster at ADIO, emphasized the long-term benefits of the project. “ADIO is proud to champion the development and rollout of cutting-edge logistics technologies that strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global innovation hub,” Malek said.
“This pilot demonstrated the type of forward-thinking strategies that add long-term economic and infrastructure value to the emirate.”
The drone delivery system is designed to be scalable and efficient. LODD CEO Rashid Al Manai noted that a single operator can manage multiple drones simultaneously, significantly boosting logistics capacity.’
“Autonomous drones introduce a transformative layer to urban delivery networks,” he said. “The system brings a new level of scalability and responsiveness to the logistics chain.”
Tariq Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X, which manages national delivery provider EMX, added that the initiative aligns with the UAE’s smart mobility objectives.
“By integrating autonomous aerial technology into EMX’s logistics ecosystem, we are enhancing operational reach and speed, and building a more adaptive, future-ready network,” he said.
LODD and 7X plan to continue working with regulators to refine operational protocols and pave the way for full-scale drone delivery services. ‘
The test flight is the first phase of a broader vision to establish Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in autonomous air mobility, underpinned by robust infrastructure and regulatory readiness.