UAE: Will drones be next big thing in quick delivery services?

Dubai: Quick service deliveries – the ones where the shopper gets the orders in 30 minutes and well under – are one of the fastest growing consumer-focused sectors in the UAE. And one where drone delivered orders would come in downright handy for retailers, online marketplaces and shoppers.

Last December, a sort of pilot test program launched within the Dubai Silicon Oasis precinct, and there has been constant talk that there could be many more. Especially when the giant e-marketplaces enter and make their presence felt.  

Vardan Nagar, General Manager - Platform & Operations at noon Minutes, the quick service component within the noon universe. On whether it would consider calling in drones to help out, Nagar said: “For now, our focus is on keeping deliveries seamless and reliable through our existing channels. But stay tuned - big things could be on the horizon.”

The speculation is already intense as to who will get the UAE regulator approvals to start drone services. But here is no doubt – drones will rewrite the business of ‘q-commerce’.

“On average, we deliver in well under 15 minutes - thanks to an optimized pick-and-pack process that keeps things fast without cutting corners on safety,” said Nagar. “Our (bike) riders operate in tight catchment areas, staying close to customers for smooth, pressure-free deliveries.

“We’re rolling out e-bikes and electric scooters to keep deliveries fast and sustainable. Whenever possible, we also use bicycles and other modes of sustainable transport to get closer to our customers.”

The number of players in the quick delivery space has been expanding, with many service providers tying up with online and delivery booking portals and retailers. For noon, the one big advantage is that it does the whole end-to-end process – from operating the online marketplace to seeing through the last-mile delivery.

“Scaling fast without compromising service - that’s the key,” said Nagar. “Product availability, supply chain optimization, and relentless efficiency keep us sharp. At the core, it’s simple: deliver value, deliver assortment, deliver convenience, and do it better every time.

“We cover all Emirates, ensuring as many communities as possible experience the convenience of rapid delivery.

Demand for ultra-fast delivery keeps growing, and it’s no longer just about groceries. Customers rely on noon Minutes for everything - beauty, electronics, toys, household must-haves, and more. With delivery in just minutes, engagement is high, and adoption keeps climbing.”

And something that drone deliveries could build on. But for now, Nagar is not giving anything way.

Right now, noon is indeed ramping up operations in Saudi Arabia. It is about 'cementing our spot as the region’s go-to for instant delivery', said Nagar. "We’re live in all of Riyadh, key parts of Jeddah and Dammam, with bigger plans in the works. As we grow, we’re laser-focused on keeping the speed and service that our customers count on."

Saudi Arabia, incidentally, is inching closer to having drone delivered services...