Robots are now delivering groceries in Dubai. Yango Group and e-commerce platform noon have launched autonomous robot deliveries for noon Minutes customers, making contactless, AI-powered deliveries a reality in the city.
Robots in action
The service has started in the Sobha Hartland community. Residents can select the delivery robot option in the noon app, track the robot in real time, and unlock its secure compartment via smartphone.
The fully electric robots operate independently, navigating obstacles, planning routes, and giving way to pedestrians. They have completed over 1,500 kilometres in Dubai pilot tests, proving their ability to handle everyday deliveries in residential areas.
Partnership objectives
Ali Kafil-Hussain, Chief Business Officer at noon, said: “Partnering with Yango Group lets us bring a future-ready delivery option straight to our customers. Autonomous robots add a smart, sustainable layer to our last-mile network. They give us extra delivery capacity during peak times, help keep service levels consistent, reduce emissions and congestion, and create an experience that feels natural for customers who already live their lives through digital solutions.”
Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head of Yango Group Middle East, added: “Together with noon, we see this partnership as a stepping stone towards making autonomous delivery an everyday, reliable service for communities across the UAE. By combining Yango Group’s expertise in AI-powered delivery with noon’s strong presence in e-commerce, we can support cities, businesses, and regulators on their journey to smarter mobility and more sustainable digital cities.”
Expansion plans
The initial deployment will inform wider scaling across Dubai, the UAE, and the GCC based on operational performance and customer feedback. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has approved the rollout, allowing robots to operate on public walkways and residential streets.
Nikita Gavrilov, Regional Head of Yango Tech Autonomy, said: “Our robots have already demonstrated reliable performance in Dubai’s real-world conditions. The next step is to turn this into a scalable product that seamlessly integrates into our partners’ day-to-day operations.”
The initiative supports Dubai and the UAE’s goals for smart mobility, greater adoption of autonomous transport, and reduced urban emissions, highlighting the growing role of AI-enabled solutions in daily city life.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
