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6/26/25, 3:27 PM Lodd and 7X make Abu Dhabi drone history

Lodd and 7X make Abu Dhabi drone history

News Lodd and 7X make Abu Dhabi drone history

NEWS
By Tara Craig 25th June 2025

Lodd and 7X have launched the first pilot flight for autonomous drone parcel deliveries in Abu Dhabi, marking a qualitative
leap in the logistics sector across the emirate.
The trial falls under the strategy of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) that, with the support of the Abu Dhabi
Investment Office (ADIO), aims to develop and adopt smart and integrated mobility solutions in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Conducted
with oversight from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Integrated Transport Centre, the initiative 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 roll-out 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, 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.
Humaid Saber Al Hameli, director of the Aviation Transport Division at the Integrated Transport Centre, said: “Ensuring the safety
and security of our airspace remains a top priority for the Integrated Transport Centre. We continue to advance the regulatory
frameworks necessary to support the safe and effective integration of unmanned aerial systems into Abu Dhabi’s wider transport
ecosystem.
“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. We are committed to providing a secure and adaptive regulatory environment that keeps
pace with innovation and empowers the adoption of emerging technologies. This enhances Abu Dhabi’s global competitiveness and
reinforces its position as a leading hub for sustainable mobility and future-focused technologies.”
UAE-based aviation tech firm Lodd and 7X, the investment holding group in trade, transport and logistics, overseeing the logistics and
express delivery provider EMX, 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.

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