Page 101 - 7X PR REPORT JUNE 2025

6/26/25, 3:13 PM Abu Dhabi’s First Autonomous Drone Delivery Trial Redefines Logistics Future
The trial was the result of close collaboration between three core entities: LODD, the aviation technology firm providing the drone systems; 7X, the diversified investment
group overseeing multiple advanced technology ventures; and EMX, its express logistics subsidiary.
Each brought a critical capability to the table.
LODD offered advanced UAV hardware and autonomous navigation software, engineered for precise, GPS-based delivery routes.
7X, with its experience in incubating and scaling tech-driven ventures, provided strategic oversight and financial commitment.
EMX contributed its logistics expertise, ensuring that operational protocols for drone-based deliveries aligned with commercial parcel delivery standards.
Together, they created a unified framework where engineering met execution — where technology was translated into real-world action.
Delivering Value from the Skies
Autonomous drone delivery isn’t just about innovation for its own sake — it delivers tangible value. This trial is a preview of several real-world benefits that could redefine
how cities like Abu Dhabi handle logistics:
1. Faster Deliveries

Drones are not limited by road traffic or terrain, allowing them to reach destinations more directly and quickly, especially in high-density areas or locations with limited
infrastructure.
2. Environmental Impact

Unlike fuel-based delivery vans, drones run on electric power, contributing to a substantial reduction in carbon emissions and traffic congestion.
3. Accessibility
Drones can reach places conventional vehicles cannot — such as islands, mountainous areas, and isolated communities — making services more inclusive.
4. Emergency Use

In urgent situations like medical emergencies or natural disasters, drones can deliver critical supplies such as medicines, first aid, or food far faster than road-based
logistics.
These advantages align perfectly with Abu Dhabi’s sustainability and smart city goals, reinforcing its global leadership in urban innovation.
Preparing for Widespread Adoption

The successful execution of the initial trial is just the beginning. Plans are already underway to scale and integrate autonomous drone delivery into Abu Dhabi’s broader
logistics network.
The roadmap includes:
Expanded Trials: Covering larger distances, varied cargo types, and new drop-off scenarios to refine system reliability.
Infrastructure Development: Including the establishment of droneports, automated loading bays, and air traffic control systems tailored to UAVs.
Regulatory Frameworks: Formalising guidelines for UAV operations, including altitude corridors, safety standards, noise control, and data protection.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating citizens about the safety, benefits, and ethical usage of autonomous drone technology.
All of these efforts are laying the groundwork for commercial drone delivery services that could become part of everyday life within the next few years.
Integrating with Abu Dhabi’s Smart Mobility Vision
Abu Dhabi’s autonomous drone initiative is not operating in isolation. It is part of a larger smart mobility ecosystem being developed across the emirate. This includes
autonomous vehicles, electric transport, AI-powered traffic control, and integrated digital logistics platforms.
The city is also exploring vertiports — specially designed hubs for vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) and delivery drones. These locations will serve as
interchange points for cargo drones and passenger air taxis, connecting key areas like ports, hospitals, business zones, and residential neighborhoods.

The vision is ambitious: a seamless, sky-integrated network that reduces pressure on roads, accelerates goods movement, and establishes Abu Dhabi as a living lab for
next-generation mobility.
Supporting a New Tech Economy

From a business perspective, the drone delivery trial also acts as a catalyst for new tech-driven economic activity. By embracing autonomous logistics, Abu Dhabi is opening
doors for:
Startups to develop UAV support services
Manufacturers to design and produce custom drones
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