Today's Edition
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
Real estate companies in the UAE are beginning to embed infrastructure for aerial cargo delivery within their developments as part of efforts to prepare future-ready communities.
Sobha Realty, a leading UAE developer based in Dubai, recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Keeta Drone to introduce next-generation air delivery ecosystems across its communities.
The agreement aims to integrate drone-based last-mile delivery into residential developments. The MoU was signed in the presence of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), underlining the regulatory framework within which the service is expected to operate.
Keeta Drone is an air delivery service company focused on last-mile logistics through safe, efficient and sustainable drone-based delivery solutions. It is part of Keeta, Meituan’s international subsidiary.
In response to Aletihad's queries, officials explained how the drone delivery system is expected to work in practice.
Under the system, a resident would place an order through an app. The merchant at the take-off point would prepare the package and load it onto the drone. The drone would then fly autonomously through a pre-mapped flight corridor and deliver the package to a dedicated landing unit installed within the community.
The entire process would be managed through Keeta Drone’s proprietary platform, DaaS, with real-time tracking visible to the customer. The model is designed to reduce reliance on ground vehicles, avoid traffic delays, and offer faster delivery directly into residential communities.
Sobha Realty said the partnership would introduce faster, smarter and eco-conscious last-mile logistics. The collaboration will be implemented in phases, with all activations operating within government-approved frameworks.
Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty, said the company’s vision of luxury “extends beyond design and craftsmanship to the intelligent ecosystems that power everyday living”.
“This partnership is not about introducing a new service; it’s about reimagining how communities function in a rapidly evolving urban landscape,” Alfred said.
Dr Mao, President of Keeta Drone, said the partnership with Sobha Realty represents “a defining moment” for the company.
“Together, we are not just signing an agreement; we are laying the foundation of what the future of urban living in the UAE looks like,” Dr Mao said.
Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director General of DCAA, said the authority was pleased to support the responsible advancement of air deliveries by Keeta Drone within the community of Sobha Hartland.
Keeta Drone says the project with Sobha Realty is not at a concept stage. The company has completed more than 880,000 deliveries across Dubai, Hong Kong, and several cities in China, making it one of the world’s largest drone delivery operators.
In Dubai, Keeta Drone began licensed operations at the end of 2024 under the oversight of the DCAA, establishing regular drone routes serving residential communities and universities.
The company launched its Dubai operations in December 2024, when His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, placed the inaugural order from Rochester Institute of Technology-Dubai.
Since then, Keeta Drone has carried out deliveries across Dubai Silicon Oasis and Nad Al Sheba, offering residents a faster and lower-emission delivery alternative.
A major milestone for the company was securing Dubai’s first Beyond Visual Line of Sight commercial drone delivery licence in late 2024. This allows drones to operate beyond the direct visual range of the operator, subject to regulatory approval.
Keeta Drone said it has expanded multiple delivery routes across the city, using drones engineered to operate in Dubai’s desert conditions, including high winds, sand and temperatures exceeding 50°C.
The company has also launched its standalone Keeta Drone app, enabling customers to order food directly from local and international brands.
An Aletihad check of the Keeta Drone app showed three drone ports listed for deliveries. The app also indicated that air deliveries were not available during the public holiday period checked by Aletihad.
The Sobha Realty partnership is expected to bring permanent, integrated air delivery directly into a residential development, moving drone delivery from isolated routes towards built-in community infrastructure.
Both Sobha Realty and Keeta Drone said they also intend to explore opportunities beyond the UAE as Keeta Drone’s deployment roadmap grows and Sobha Realty continues its international expansion.
