The Sustainable City – Dubai, the first fully sustainable community in the region, has announced the launch of a delivery robot pilot in collaboration with Dubai Future Labs and Lyve Global. Starting this month, three autonomous on-demand delivery robots, developed by Dubai Future Labs, will begin their trial within The Sustainable City community. These robots will provide autonomous delivery services from all restaurants and shops within the plaza area to residents, utilising a smart interface powered by Lyve Global.

The unique design of The Sustainable City, which is fully pedestrianised and car-free within the residential clusters, makes the community future-ready to smoothly adopt autonomous solutions. The pilot of the last-mile delivery robots uses cutting-edge robotic technologies to enhance safety, cleanliness, and cost-efficiency while reducing traffic, carbon emissions, and waiting times.

Khalifa Al Qama, Director of Dubai Future Labs at Dubai Future Foundation, expressed that the project signifies a significant advancement in the continuous development of robotics technologies within the transportation, shipping, and logistics sectors in Dubai. This initiative underscores the city’s commitment to leveraging technology to foster innovation and improve the overall quality of life.

He added, “These innovative robots have been specifically designed to ensure swift delivery of products within a remarkable timeframe of just under 30 minutes, while being fully equipped to navigate their surroundings safely and efficiently, with the capability to identify charging stations, eliminating the requirement for human intervention.”

Al Qama added, “The introduction of these delivery robots aligns perfectly with the objectives set forth by the “Dubai Robotics and Automation Program,” which was launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Chairmen of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation in September 2022.”

Fadi Alfaris, GM of NZE Solutions at SEE Holding, said, “We have successfully created synergy between sustainable communities and advanced technologies. The Sustainable City in Dubai tests the applicability of various ideas and integrated solutions. It is an ideal location for piloting autonomous delivery robots and their future deployment. Designed with car-free residential clusters, it provides a safe and conducive environment for testing and operating such advanced technologies. This setting ensures the safety of residents and offers a controlled environment to optimize the performance and efficiency of delivery robots.”

He added, “The Sustainable City in Dubai has been meticulously designed to be future-ready, capable of adopting the latest technologies and adapting to changing requirements. Operating as a living lab, the city continuously tests the latest solutions and innovations in sustainability to spearhead a net-zero emissions future.”

Hassan Hallas, Chief Executive Officer at Lyve Global, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Dubai Future Labs in deploying cutting-edge delivery robots in the Sustainable City, marking a significant step forward in our mission to revolutionize logistics. This initiative underscores our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Together, we are paving the way for a smarter, more connected future in the world of logistics.”

Developed locally by a team of roboticists and engineers from Dubai Future Labs, these delivery robots boast several advanced features, including a Fleet Management System equipped with real-time tracking, a backend order fulfillment and delivery operations system devised by Lyve Global and a Secured Delivery Compartment, accessible only by the customer, ensuring secure deliveries.

These autonomous delivery robots promise rapid delivery in under 30 minutes within the community. They will navigate sidewalks safely and independently, locating charging stations when needed and eliminating the need for human intervention.

This initiative aligns with Dubai’s wider mission to make 25% of trips autonomous by 2030 and contributes to the vision of positioning Dubai as the smartest city in the world.

Dubai, a city renowned for its futuristic skyline and innovative infrastructure, is once again at the forefront of urban development with a major upgrade to its road network. Designed to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and accommodate the city’s rapid growth, these changes are set to redefine the commuting experience. Here are the four key changes every resident and visitor should know about:

1. Expansion of Key Highways

The first significant upgrade involves the expansion of Dubai’s key highways. Sheikh Zayed Road, the main artery that runs through the city, is undergoing a massive widening project. Additional lanes are being added to alleviate congestion during peak hours, promising smoother and faster commutes. The expansion extends to other critical routes such as Emirates Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, ensuring that the city’s growing traffic demands are met with efficiency.

2. Introduction of Smart Traffic Management Systems

Dubai is embracing smart technology to revolutionise its traffic management. New intelligent traffic systems (ITS) are being installed across the city, featuring advanced sensors and cameras that monitor traffic conditions in real-time. These systems can automatically adjust traffic signals, provide live updates to drivers via digital sign boards, and even reroute traffic during emergencies. The result is a more responsive and adaptive traffic flow, reducing delays and improving overall road safety.

3. Enhanced Pedestrian and Cycling Infrastructure

Recognizing the importance of sustainable and healthy transportation options, Dubai is significantly enhancing its pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. New dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian paths are being constructed, particularly in busy urban areas and around popular attractions. These paths are designed to be safe and accessible, encouraging more residents and tourists to opt for walking or cycling as their preferred mode of transport. The initiative not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but also helps to reduce the city’s carbon footprint.

4. Upgraded Public Transportation Hubs

The upgrade extends beyond roads to include public transportation hubs, integrating them seamlessly with the road network. Major metro stations, bus terminals, and tram stops are being revamped to offer better connectivity and convenience. New park-and-ride facilities are being introduced, making it easier for commuters to switch between driving and public transport. The improved hubs aim to make public transportation a more attractive option, thereby easing the load on the city’s roads.

These major upgrades to Dubai’s road infrastructure are a testament to the city’s commitment to innovation and excellence in urban planning. By expanding highways, implementing smart traffic systems, enhancing pedestrian and cycling paths, and upgrading public transport hubs, Dubai is paving the way for a more efficient, safe, and sustainable future. As these projects come to fruition, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a transformed commuting experience, befitting a city that continues to lead the way in modern urban living.

Dubai’s economy has grown 3.2 per cent in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period last year — with the emirate’s gross domestic product (GDP) reaching Dh115 billion.

“Dubai’s ambition is limitless, and its success story will remain a role model for cities wishing to create a promising future for their coming generations,” said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

The goal, he said, is to “sustain success and establish a culture of excellence and leadership” across all sectors in the emirate. The economic growth in the first quarter of the year mirrors the success story of 2023, when the GDP reached approximately Dh429 billion, marking an increase of 3.3 per cent compared to the 2022 figure of approximately Dh415 billion.

Numbers show that Dubai is booming across sectors — from transportation and storage to food services and real estate.

Here’s how each sector has grown in the first quarter of the year:

• -Transportation and storage sector: 5.6%, amounting to Dh15.4 billion
• -Financial and insurance activities sector: 5.6%, amounting to Dh15.1 billion
• -Wholesale and retail trade sector: 3%, amounting to Dh26.3 billion (the top GDP contributor at 22.9%)
• -Information and communications sector: 3.9%, amounting to Dh5.1 billion
• -Accommodation and food services activities sector: 3.8%, amounting to Dh4.7 billion
• -Real estate sector: 3.7%, amounting to Dh8.4 billion
• -Utilities and waste management: 7.5%. amounting to Dh3.2 billion
• -Manufacturing sector: 1.6%, Dh8.4 billion
• -Other activities: 0.46% (These include agriculture, mining, construction, professional services and administrative services, among others.)

Sheikh Hamdan said the emirate’s successes highlight the combined efforts and teamwork of various stakeholders to realise the objectives of the emirate’s comprehensive development plans for 2033, especially the Dubai economic Agenda (D33) and Dubai Social Agenda 2033.

“Dubai is progressing in accordance with a clear vision whose foundations were laid down and whose goals were defined by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,” the Crown Prince said.

“What we witness today is a practical reflection of this vision, which has placed Dubai among the leading economic and commercial centres of the world.”