Abu Dhabi is on the brink of transforming the food delivery landscape with the introduction of drone-powered deliveries through the Talabat app. Test flights are already underway, and the first customer orders are anticipated to be fulfilled within weeks. This innovative service will allow customers to order groceries and meals via the Talabat app, with drones transporting the orders to designated drop-off stations, referred to as DOS (Drop-Off Stations).
Waleed Al Blooshi, Vice President of Strategy at K2, an Abu Dhabi Government-owned advanced technology company, explained the process: ‘The drone will fly from the Talabat kitchen or restaurant to the DOS, where customers can collect their orders using a secure code or QR code. The packaging has been specially designed to withstand the UAE’s challenging weather conditions, ensuring the food remains intact.’
Currently, two drones are being tested at DriftX, an exhibition showcasing smart, autonomous, and sustainable urban mobility during the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week at Yas Marina Circuit. Al Blooshi emphasized that this is just the beginning, with plans to expand the service across Abu Dhabi. ‘We are starting with drop-off stations strategically located throughout the city, though we haven’t yet explored direct deliveries to homes or apartments,’ he added.
The collaboration between K2 and Talabat is set to be formalized during DriftX, with operations expected to commence shortly thereafter. Al Blooshi highlighted the company’s rapid pace of innovation, stating, ‘At K2, we work fast. We can launch the service in less than 45 days.’
This initiative marks K2’s first foray into aerial delivery, following its successful testing of autonomous ground deliveries with Noon. The goal is to integrate drone delivery into Abu Dhabi’s logistics ecosystem, with further testing and regulatory approvals to be conducted in collaboration with the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of Abu Dhabi Mobility.
Security and airspace coordination are critical to the project’s success. Al Blooshi noted, ‘We are working closely with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to ensure compliance with regulations and manage airspace effectively.’
While costs are still under review, Al Blooshi is confident that drone delivery represents the future of logistics. ‘Autonomy is inevitable—whether by air, land, or sea. Robotics will become ubiquitous, and people will quickly adapt to this new convenience,’ he concluded.