Dubai makes history in region with drone delivery of medicine
THE DRONE LANDS IN PATIENT’S VILLA COMPOUND IN DUBAI SILICON OASIS
For the first time in the Middle East, medicine was delivered to a customer’s doorsteps by a drone yesterday. According to a statement, the delivery took place in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) and represents the first successful trial of its kind in the region.
The trial is in line with the objectives of the “Dubai Programme to Enable Drone Transportation” launched by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, in 2021.
Year-long effort
The programme aims to enhance transportation efficiency by utilising drones for various purposes and providing an advanced infrastructure for testing new drone solutions. Fakeeh University Hospital in DSO has become the first health care provider in the Middle East to utilise drone technology for medicine delivery.
The successful trial transported medication within a 10km radius, from the hospital to a patient’s home in Cedre Villas. This achievement follows a series of year-long trials conducted at Dubai Silicon Oasis, in collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Barq Air, an Emirati smart mobility company.
The completion of the trial makes Fakeeh University Hospital, the first healthcare provider in the Middle East to leverage drone technology for medication delivery.
Dr Juma Al Matrooshi, director-general of Dubai Silicon Oasis, said: “As a knowledge and innovation hub within the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, Dubai Silicon Oasis is renowned for supporting the development and piloting of innovative and smart technology solutions. ”
Dr Fatih Mehmet Gul, CEO at Fakeeh University Hospital, said: “This initiative marks a substantial leap forward in enhancing health care accessibility and achieving complete digitalisation.”
Benefits of drones
Drones eliminate geographical barriers, allowing patients to receive medication without on-ground delays. Drone delivery also significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional transportation methods. Additionally, the system incorporates advanced features, including collision avoidance technology and real-time monitoring, which guarantees the secure transportation of medication.