News

Aramex Has Successfully Tested Drone Deliveries In Oman

The pilot is part of Aramex’s “Future Delivery Program”, and forms part of the company’s innovation agenda and sustainability strategy.

Published

2 years ago

October 7, 2022

Nour Nasir

Aramex

Aramex is a leading transport and logistics organization, and this week, the company successfully finished the pilot phase of its drone-based “Future Delivery Program” in Muscat, Oman.

UVL Robotics, a company from the United States, partnered with the logistics firm to bring its class-leading AI and drone solutions to the project, which will eventually also include autonomous vehicles. The Future Delivery Program is about creating cost-based savings and reducing environmental impact by lowering carbon emissions and traffic congestion during the last-mile section of deliveries.

Aramex is already embarking on a full-scale transition to electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, with drone and autonomous vehicle-based deliveries complementing the emission-free fleet.

“We believe the next generation of last-mile solutions, including drones and autonomous vehicles, will be a game-changer as it ensures efficient delivery while being eco-friendly […] We have proven that these automated modes of delivery will enable us to further enhance the speed, accessibility, and reliability of package deliveries, especially to remote areas with hard-to-reach terrain,” says Alaa Saoudi, COO, Express at Aramex.

Eventually, Aramex will expand its autonomous delivery program across the Middle East and test the technology in other key markets. The company aims to significantly shorten delivery times and boost customer satisfaction while doing as much as possible to aid with climate action as we approach 2030 sustainability goals.

Also Read: Wisk Aero Unveils Four-Seat Autonomous Air Taxi

“We strongly believe that last-mile delivery by drone is an important part of future logistics and one of the key goals in our business sustainability strategy. Drones produce 26 times less CO2 emissions than cars, which positively impacts the region’s ecology,” says Moosa Al Balushi, Regional Director for UVL in the MENA Region.

Aramex isn’t new to the use of modern technology. The firm has been testing electric vehicles and adopting them into parts of its service since 2017, with operations in Jordan using EVs and testing going on across Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt.

News

“AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships

The new mandatory certification is designed to build trust in AI companies and create a reliable network of providers for government and public collaboration.

Published

19 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Nour Nasir

ai seal certification now required for dubai gov partnerships

Dubai Media Office

Dubai has introduced the Dubai AI Seal, a certification designed to establish trust in artificial intelligence (AI) companies and solutions. This initiative, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aims to create a reliable network of AI providers which government entities and businesses can collaborate confidently.

Companies must now obtain the AI Seal to qualify for UAE or Dubai government contracts. The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), which developed the certification, sees it as a competitive edge for companies looking to participate in key national projects. Once certified, businesses will be permitted to showcase the seal across their websites and marketing materials, signaling their credibility and dependability.

The evaluation process will consider six main criteria: the company’s services and operations, the number of employees specializing in AI, ongoing and future projects, as well as existing partnerships with public and private sector entities.

dubai ai seal certification

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, which oversees the DCAI, commented on the initiative’s potential: “This initiative will help create powerful partnerships between the public and private sectors, locally, regionally, and globally. It will help drive new economic opportunities by leveraging AI to serve better the economy, society, and the future we aspire to”.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

The Dubai AI Seal’s goals include providing a clear framework for verifying AI providers, fostering business opportunities for AI companies, and acknowledging the industry’s strategic importance to Dubai’s economy. The initiative emphasizes AI’s role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening collaboration between government bodies and technology firms.

All technology companies operating in Dubai and offering AI-related services or products are eligible to apply for the certification at no cost through the official website.