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Aramex Completes Testing Dubai Drone & Bot Delivery Service
The program is part of the company’s future logistics service, which aims to enhance the efficiency of last-mile deliveries.
Aramex, the Middle East’s largest courier company, has announced the successful completion of tests into a robot and drone delivery service in Dubai. The 16,000-employee company is currently researching emerging delivery technologies in a bid to boost sustainability and reduce its overall carbon footprint.
The initiative is part of the logistics company’s “future delivery program,” which aims to improve last-mile shipping by employing smart solutions for “quicker, sustainable and cost-effective deliveries”.
Initial tests took place at Rochester Institute of Technology in New York in partnership with Barq EV, a commercial drone delivery company based in the Emirates, and Kiwibot, a Colombia-based business specializing in delivery robotics.
“[The project] enables Aramex to further contribute to UAE’s sustainability ambitions as we embark on our mission to transition our fleet to emission-free vehicles and achieve our climate pledge to reach carbon neutrality by 2030,” says Alaa Saoudi, Aramex Chief Operating Officer.
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Aramex has already revealed plans to scale delivery services further to reach more customers across the MENA region, though there’s no firm timeline at the moment.
The drones and delivery robots used in Dubai will be equipped with multidirectional sensors. At the same time, fleet management software will help to synchronize and plan order placements, dispatch management, flight and road routing, and more.
According to data from research company Markets and Markets, the drone delivery market is estimated to be worth $228 million — a figure that will climb to $5.6 billion by 2030. e-Commerce giant Amazon has already started delivering some California and Texas packages by drone, and Walmart, the world’s biggest retailer, already offers autonomous delivery in some areas.
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Google To Launch AI Hub In Saudi Arabia, Aiming For $71B GDP Boost
The tech giant also plans to develop local AI solutions, and train regional talent to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
Google has announced plans to set up a cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) hub in Saudi Arabia, a move aimed at accelerating technological growth and economic development across the wider gulf region. The ambitious project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an initiative that champions technology and innovation as central to economic diversification away from the oil industry.
According to Google, the hub has the potential to contribute as much as $71 billion to Saudi Arabia’s economy. The initiative will likely speed up the adoption of AI across industries such as healthcare, retail, and financial services — not only within Saudi Arabia but also throughout the wider MENA region and beyond.
Yasir Al Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), highlighted the importance of the project for the Kingdom: “This partnership demonstrates PIF’s dedication to fostering an AI-friendly environment through investments in human capital and technology, upskilling thousands with cutting-edge tools to support our sustainable and innovative infrastructure goals,” he explained. Al Rumayyan also emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s combination of sector knowledge and long-term investment strategies makes it an ideal environment for global technology partnerships.
Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East
A central aim of Google’s initiative is nurturing local talent. The AI hub will offer a range of training, research, and collaboration opportunities for developers, researchers, and entrepreneurs within Saudi Arabia. Google envisions training “millions” of people, helping to create a robust innovation ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and ensures economic benefits reach all segments of society.
As international technology giants increasingly look to develop solutions tailored to regional needs, Google’s initiative reflects a progressive approach that leverages the strengths of local markets. With the potential to inject billions into the economy and strengthen digital capacities, Saudi Arabia could soon emerge as a prominent center for AI innovation in the Middle East.
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