With the support of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council and Abu Dhabi Investment Office, LODD and 7X successfully conducted first parcel delivery trial by drone in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, 16 June 2025: With the support of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) and Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the aviation technology firm LODD, and 7X, the investment holding group in trade, transport and logistics, overseeing the logistics and express delivery provider EMX, have successfully launched the first pilot flight for autonomous drone parcel deliveries in Abu Dhabi.

The trial, conducted with oversight from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), is part of a wider strategy to enable smart mobility solutions through ADIO’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster. The initiative supports Abu Dhabi’s efforts to localise production, develop future-ready infrastructure, and reinforce its position as a global hub for innovation and advanced industries.

Omran Malek, Head of the SAVI Cluster at ADIO, said: “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. This pilot is a powerful example of the kind of local partnerships and forward-thinking strategies that drive long-term economic and infrastructure value for the Emirate.”

The first test flight, conducted in Khalifa City, successfully demonstrated the viability of autonomous aerial parcel delivery. A drone transported a simulated package from a local post office to a designated drop zone using a secure winch-based delivery system.

Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD, said: “Autonomous drones introduce a transformative layer to urban delivery networks. With one operator able to manage multiple deliveries simultaneously, the system brings a new level of scalability and responsiveness to the logistics chain. We’re proud to work with 7X, ADIO, and the GCAA to advance this technology in the UAE.”

Tariq Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X, said: “This milestone reflects our continued commitment to pioneering next-generation logistics solutions that align with the UAE’s vision for smart mobility. By integrating autonomous aerial technology into EMX’s national logistics ecosystem, we are enhancing operational reach and speed, and building a more adaptive, future-ready network capable of meeting the evolving demands of commerce and connectivity.

LODD and 7X continue to collaborate with regulators and industry partners to refine procedures, ensure regulatory compliance, and gather operational insights to support wider rollout, highlighting the continued collaboration between private partners and regulators to refine systems, ensure compliance, and support future expansion.

The pilot marks the first phase in a broader strategy to deploy drone-based logistics services across Abu Dhabi. With progressive regulation and infrastructure readiness, the emirate is emerging as a leader in autonomous air mobility within the region.