Abu Dhabi boosts autonomous air cargo with 29 new partnerships

Abu Dhabi has taken a major step in global smart mobility and air logistics, with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) announcing 29 commercial deployment agreements for autonomous technologies. The deals, revealed during the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit held as part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, aim to accelerate the commercialisation of autonomous air and ground mobility solutions.

The partnerships, involving global and regional technology leaders such as K2, LODD Autonomous, Autologix, Sinaha, TractEasy, MLG and Space42, position Abu Dhabi among the first cities in the world to create an integrated, multi-modal environment for commercial deployment. The capital’s investment-friendly ecosystem, supported by dedicated testing grounds, allows companies to move beyond pilot stages to full-scale implementation of autonomous systems across logistics and trade.

Autonomous air and ground delivery solutions, along with specialised industrial applications, have already begun real-world operations in Abu Dhabi. These efforts, regulated and enabled across transportation modes by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), are reshaping how consumers and businesses send and receive goods globally.

His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said the new partnerships mark a decisive step toward a future where autonomous technologies set new standards for transportation and trade. He added that the agreements, anchored by the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster, translate years of research and development into commercial use, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a hub for innovation-led logistics.

The collaborations also include pioneering drone delivery pilots led by LODD in partnership with PureLab, EMX, Noon and Aramex. These projects will demonstrate the commercial, operational and environmental potential of unmanned aerial systems, from cold-chain medical transport to scalable parcel and mail delivery between sorting hubs and community zones.

In parallel, Sinaha Technology, an Abu Dhabi-based company specialising in AI-driven automation and robotics, is developing intelligent logistics systems. These include autonomous ground vehicles designed to reduce emissions and costs, AI-powered warehouses, and a digital fleet management system providing real-time visibility and predictive efficiency.

Abu Dhabi is further expanding its autonomous logistics capabilities through projects led by K2, working with partners including Talabat, EMX, ENEC, Noon and the Department of Municipalities and Transport. These pilots demonstrate how AI-enabled electric vehicles and aerial drones can transform last- and middle-mile delivery, including fully electric Robosweepers and autonomous fleets supporting city-wide logistics.

Adding to this, Autologix, a joint venture of 7X and Zelostech, has launched a partnership with Emirates Post to deploy Level 4 autonomous cargo vehicles. The purpose-built, cabless electric trucks mark a new generation of safer and more efficient heavy goods transport in urban environments.

Collectively, these initiatives highlight Abu Dhabi’s integrated approach to autonomous logistics by combining regulation, infrastructure and innovation to redefine efficiency, safety and sustainability in freight movement. With a focus on both aerial and ground delivery, the capital is positioning itself as a global centre for smart logistics and air cargo innovation.