UAE launches BVLOS drone delivery service in Dubai

A drone of Keeta Drone delivers a package in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dec. 17, 2024. Keeta Drone, a subsidiary of Chinese technology giant Meituan, said on Tuesday that it has obtained the UAE's first commercial license for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone deliveries, which allows the company to launch food and medical delivery services in Dubai. (Xinhua/Wen Xinnian)

DUBAI, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Keeta Drone, a subsidiary of Chinese technology giant Meituan, said on Tuesday that it has obtained the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) first commercial license for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone deliveries, which allows the company to launch food and medical delivery services in Dubai.

At Dubai Silicon Oasis, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai, inaugurated the service by placing the first order.

"We continue to support projects that drive a diversified, flexible digital economy by leveraging advanced technology and empowering the aviation and air transport sectors," Sheikh Hamdan said.

Mao Yinian, vice president of Meituan and president of Keeta Drone, highlighted Dubai's demand for on-demand delivery services, noting that the company's drones are well-suited to enhance efficiency and reliability in urban logistics.

A drone of Keeta Drone delivers a package in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dec. 17, 2024.

Keeta Drone, a subsidiary of Chinese technology giant Meituan, said on Tuesday that it has obtained the UAE's first commercial license for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone deliveries, which allows the company to launch food and medical delivery services in Dubai. (Xinhua/Wen Xinnian)