“Talabat is preparing to revolutionize food delivery in the UAE, as drones are set to start delivering customers’ orders, promising faster service and a futuristic dining experience very soon.”
UAE to Soon Receive Talabat Orders via Drone Delivery.
Abu Dhabi is set to introduce drone-based food deliveries via the Talabat app, with trial flights already underway and the first orders expected to be delivered in the coming weeks.
“Using the Talabat app, customers can order meals or groceries, and a drone will transport them from the Talabat kitchen or restaurant to a designated drop-off point, known as the DOS,” explained Waleed Al Blooshi, Vice President of Strategy at K2, an advanced technology company owned by the Abu Dhabi government.
Currently, two drones are being tested at DriftX, an exhibition showcasing smart, autonomous, and sustainable urban mobility, held during Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week at Yas Marina Circuit. “This is only a testing phase; through our partnership with Talabat, we plan to expand further,” they said.
He mentioned that the formal agreement with Talabat will be signed at DriftX, after which the drone delivery operations are expected to start promptly. “At K2, we move quickly—within just under 45 days, we can make it happen,” he added.
Once the service goes live, customers can place food orders via the Talabat app, which will then be delivered by drone to specific drop-off points. “Currently, we have one drop-off station, and more will be set up across Abu Dhabi,” said Al Blooshi. “We haven’t explored deliveries directly to homes or apartments yet, so the focus will be on multiple city-wide drop-off locations.”
Orders will be collected using a code. “Customers will use either a QR code or a password,” he explained. “The system is secure and designed to protect the food, ensuring it arrives safely and undamaged.”
The packaging has been specially designed to handle the region’s climate. “It’s not just about the drones—the packaging is tailored to endure humidity, heat, and temperature variations,” Al Blooshi said. The test drones currently carry between 10 and 20 kilograms and can travel five to ten kilometres. “This is only for the proof-of-concept stage. Naturally, we can increase the size and extend the range, but further testing is required,” he added.
K2 has previously conducted trials of autonomous ground deliveries in collaboration with Noon. “We are working with Noon on land-based autonomous deliveries, transporting goods from the Noon warehouse in KEZAD to Al Raha Beach,” Al Blooshi explained. “That’s our initial proof-of-concept, and while it will expand, it’s limited to ground operations.” The new partnership with Talabat, however, marks K2’s first venture into aerial deliveries. “This will be the first time we’re handling food or grocery delivery by drone,” he added.
The aim is to integrate drone delivery into Abu Dhabi’s broader logistics network. “Following DriftX, we plan to conduct tests at ITC Abu Dhabi Mobility’s headquarters, where they will provide the necessary approvals and regulatory guidance,” Al Blooshi stated.
Ensuring security and managing airspace are crucial for the rollout. “The main challenge is air traffic control,” he said. “We’ve been coordinating with the GCAA, the federal aviation authority, to figure out how to comply with regulations, as not all drones can freely fly. Still, I’m confident Abu Dhabi will make it work.”
Although pricing is still being evaluated, Al Blooshi emphasized that drone delivery represents the future. “Autonomous technology is the way forward—whether by air, land, or sea, robotics will become commonplace. People will adapt to it, and it will make their lives much easier,” he said.
