A new partnership between Amazon UAE and Dubai Future Foundation will allow individuals in Dubai to earn flexible income by delivering Amazon packages on foot.
The initiative is aimed at supporting gig workers, reducing traffic, and encouraging sustainable practices.
The programme is part of the broader Sandbox Dubai initiative, a regulatory testing platform under the Dubai Future Foundation that focuses on developing supportive legislation for emerging economic models.
Approved by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the initiative includes the gig economy as one of its priority sectors.
New gig economy option
The pilot will give individuals and small business owners an opportunity to earn a second income by delivering parcels on foot, particularly in densely populated areas of Dubai. The model is designed to optimise idle working hours, offer flexible employment, and help businesses scale operations efficiently without additional vehicle usage.
Reducing traffic and emissions
Beyond income opportunities, the on-foot delivery concept is expected to reduce the reliance on motor vehicles, ease congestion, and support Dubai’s broader sustainability goals by cutting down on carbon emissions.
Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, said: “This collaboration with Amazon UAE falls within the framework of public-private sector cooperation to develop the legislative environment supporting innovation in Dubai and the UAE, and to launch pioneering pilot projects that benefit society and contribute to enhancing economic competitiveness and future readiness.”
Public-private collaboration
Amazon’s participation in Sandbox Dubai marks a move toward testing innovative logistics models in partnership with government entities.
Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President of Amazon Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, said: “We are excited to partner with the Dubai Future Foundation through the Sandbox Dubai initiative to launch new delivery models in Dubai, supporting our mission to serve customers with speed, convenience, and reliability. We remain committed to leveraging our global expertise, scale, and technology to create new possibilities that boost the gig economy and entrepreneurship, as well as promote economic growth through greater flexibility for individuals and businesses.”
Supporting innovation in Dubai
Sandbox Dubai is a key element of Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the emirate’s economy over the next decade and strengthen its position among the world’s leading economic centres. It offers startups and businesses the ability to test their products and services in a real-world environment with regulatory flexibility and expert support.
The on-foot delivery pilot highlights how innovation and sustainability can go hand-in-hand while offering residents a chance to generate additional income within a fast-growing gig economy.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
