China’s Keeta Drone to launch food and medical drone deliveries in Dubai

Keeta Drone, a subsidiary of Chinese tech and retail giant Meituan, has made history by becoming the first Chinese drone logistics operator to secure an overseas license. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) granted Keeta Drone the UAE's inaugural commercial license for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone deliveries. This groundbreaking achievement also marks the successful launch of its food and medical delivery service in Dubai — showcasing the potential of drones to revolutionize urban logistics.

How does it work?

Keeta Drone's delivery network relies on its M-Drone Gen 3, a six-rotor drone capable of carrying loads of up to 2.3kg. These drones operate with a proprietary intelligent dispatch system and automated ground infrastructure, enabling safe, efficient, and reliable deliveries tailored for urban environments. Four operational routes have been established in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), connecting key locations such as the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT-Dubai) and Dubai Digital Park. The process is seamless-users place orders via the platform, and drones autonomously navigate the network to deliver food, medicine, or other essentials.

Dr. Yinian Mao, Vice President of Meituan and President of Keeta Drone, explained: "Dubai's high demand for on-demand delivery services and the operational challenges posed by its extreme weather underscore the potential for drone delivery to enhance efficiency and reliability."

Why does it matter?

This innovation is a testament to Dubai's forward-thinking infrastructure and its commitment to fostering smart logistics solutions. As His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum remarked, "We continue to support projects that drive a diversified, flexible digital economy by leveraging advanced technology in Dubai and empowering the aviation and air transport sectors."

The environmental benefits are equally compelling. Studies reveal that drones emit 84% less greenhouse gas per package compared to diesel trucks and consume 94% less energy. This aligns with Keeta Drone's mission to lead in green technology and sustainable logistics.

The context

Keeta Drone's journey began in 2017 with research into seamless air-ground local deliveries. By 2021, the company had launched its first commercial delivery service in Shenzhen, China. Today, it operates 53 routes across major Chinese cities and has completed over 400,000 deliveries. The Dubai initiative builds on this success, driven by participation in the "Dubai Experimental Zone: BVLOS Drone Delivery Program," a collaborative effort between DCAA and the Dubai Future Foundation.

This milestone also demonstrates the UAE's progressive policies in enabling cutting-edge technologies. Collaboration with partners such as Fakeeh University Hospital further highlights the potential of drones in critical applications, including emergency medical services.

As Dr. Mohaymen Abdelghany, CEO of Fakeeh University Hospital, stated, "Drones provide a reliable and timely solution for critical needs such as plasma delivery, where every second counts."