MEET THE PILOTS

Name: Abbad Khalid Job: Immigration Department, Dubai “Someone at work told me about the drone delivery volunteer initiative and it sounded different, unique. I have limited use of the right side of my body so being able to deliver the food in this way allows me to get involved. People always say to me ‘you can do anything’, so although I never used a drone before, I thought it would be a great way to challenge myself and do something different. The training has been intense, like being back at school, but I know when I see the drone flying it will be worth it. I don’t mind what role I have to play, as long as I get to be a part of this.”

Name: Raisa Alfalasi Job: Dubai Health Authority “This is the first time I have been able to get my hands on the remote control of a drone and it’s been a great, but different experience. When it comes to piloting the drone during the delivery phase, personally, I’d love to be behind the controls. I like to lead and it seems like the most hands on role. It was my friend who told me about the initiative and I wanted to get involved because it is important to integrate people with determination. Getting to play with the remote was like going back to my childhood.

Name: Rashid Al Marzouqi Job: Social department, CDA “The Youth Council approached me and asked me if I wanted to apply for the volunteer experience. I couldn’t say no. It’s a great responsibility and we are the first batch of people with determination who have been trained in drone delivery for a social initiative. What better time to do it than during Ramadan. It’s a fun initiative to give back and even though we are not handing the food directly to the labourers, we feel we are sharing the moment with them. For me, I’d like to control the remote too. It’s hand on and you feel like you are the leader.”