Drones reshape the future of UAE cargo movement
Sonia Sali
Drones are emerging as a new tool for faster, and smarter cargo movement, with the capability to support deliveries, remote operations and time-critical shipments. In an interview with CargoTalk Middle East, Rashid Mattar Al Manai, Chief Executive Officer, LODD Autonomous highlighted how drones can complement existing logistics networks and shape the future of cargo transport.
Will drone adoption in Middle East logistics regain momentum, or has the operational model permanently shifted?
Drone logistics in the Middle East is regaining momentum, with demand becoming more practical and commercially driven. We are seeing growing interest in drone deliveries for use cases and locations that are difficult, costly or not feasible to serve through traditional cargo methods, including remote communities, offshore operations and time-critical medical deliveries. The operational model has therefore matured from demonstrations to solutions addressing real logistics gaps. The UAE has always been proactive in developing progressive regulations and enabling innovative solutions, creating the right environment for safe adoption. The next phase will focus on certified, reliable and cost-effective services integrated into existing logistics networks.
Can drones complement air cargo operations by handling short-distance and time-critical shipments?
Yes, drones can complement traditional air cargo operations. While airfreight often depends on scheduled wide-body aircraft and complex airport infrastructure, cargo drones such as Hili can operate more dynamically, connecting logistics hubs faster, more frequently and at lower cost. They are particularly effective for short-distance, time-critical shipments that do not require the capacity of a large aircraft. This flexibility can improve the movement of medical supplies, critical spare parts, e-commerce shipments and other urgent cargo. Rather than replacing traditional airfreight, drones can strengthen the wider logistics network by providing a faster and more efficient connection between airports, warehouses, distribution centres and remote locations.
Where will drones fit into the logistics ecosystem over the next five to ten years — a mainstream cargo mode or a specialised solution?
Over the next five to ten years, drones will become a mainstream part of the logistics ecosystem. In countries such as the UAE, tens of thousands of motorcycles conduct last-mile deliveries, contributing to road hazards, accidents and CO₂ emissions. Smart cities can reduce this dependence by integrating drones and unmanned ground vehicles for safer and cleaner deliveries. For middle-mile logistics, dedicated air corridors will connect major logistics hubs, enabling faster and more frequent cargo movement. Integrating drones across last- and middle-mile operations will create a more efficient ecosystem for moving shipments locally and regionally, complementing trucks and traditional aircraft rather than replacing them.
How can drone operators ensure reliable performance in extreme Middle East conditions such as heat, dust, and high winds?
Reliability in Middle Eastern conditions must be designed into the aircraft and its autonomous systems from the outset. At LODD, we consider extreme heat, dust and high winds through specialised materials, protected air inlets, effective filtration, thermal management and robust navigation and communication systems. These capabilities are validated through extensive ground and flight testing under representative regional conditions. Aircraft such as Hili are also undergoing a comprehensive certification programme to ensure the highest level of safety, implementing rigorous aviation safety requirements established by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and aligned with international standards. This ensures safe, reliable and effective autonomous cargo operations.
How can airports ensure cargo operations and supply chain continuity during heightened security concerns?
Cargo drones can strengthen supply chain continuity during periods of heightened security concerns by reducing dependence on major airports. Unlike traditional airfreight, they can move shipments directly between approved logistics hubs without requiring complex airport infrastructure or scheduled wide-body aircraft. This creates alternative routes for essential and time-critical cargo when airport capacity or access is restricted. Supported by secure air corridors, distributed landing sites, real-time tracking and close coordination with aviation and security authorities, cargo drones can help ensure the seamless movement of goods during high-threat periods. They complement conventional airfreight by adding flexibility, redundancy and resilience to the wider logistics network.
What regulatory frameworks are needed to balance drone safety, innovation, and logistics growth?
Regulatory frameworks should reflect the size, complexity and operational risk of each aircraft. Small drones can follow a risk-based approach using frameworks such as the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA), with requirements tailored to their operating environment and mission. Larger autonomous cargo aircraft, such as Hili, should undergo a comprehensive certification programme similar to conventional aircraft, covering airworthiness, systems safety, cybersecurity, command-and-control links and operational approval. Regulations must also enable beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations and safe airspace integration. Close collaboration between regulators, manufacturers and operators will ensure high safety standards while enabling innovation and the commercial growth of autonomous logistics.
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