Key takeaways
- Amazon UAE and Dubai Future Foundation launch on-foot delivery pilot.
- Program creates flexible income for individuals and small businesses.
- Initiative supports Dubai's sustainability and reduced-emissions goals.
- Pilot is part of Sandbox Dubai under the D33 economic agenda.
Dubai Future Foundation and Amazon UAE have launched a program that allows individuals to deliver Amazon packages on foot to customers across Dubai.
The pilot is part of the Sandbox Dubai initiative, which was approved by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation.
The program provides opportunities for individuals and small business owners to earn flexible income through on-foot delivery, especially in densely populated areas.
It also aims to reduce reliance on delivery vehicles, helping ease traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions in line with Dubai's sustainability goals.
Building the gig economy in Dubai
"We are excited to partner with the Dubai Future Foundation through the Sandbox Dubai initiative to launch new delivery models in Dubai," said Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President of Amazon Middle East, Africa, and Turkey. "This collaboration is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in unlocking solutions that will accelerate Dubai's digital economy."
Mouchawar added that Amazon remains committed to leveraging its 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.
Shaping future regulations
Khalifa Al Qama, Executive Director of Dubai Future Labs, confirmed that the collaboration with Amazon comes within the framework of public-private sector cooperation to develop the legislative environment supporting innovation in Dubai and the UAE.
Sandbox Dubai is one of the key projects within Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the emirate's economy over the next decade and position it among the world's top three economic cities.
The platform provides an environment for innovators to test business models with regulatory support, contributing to evidence-based policies that support sustainable growth.
