In a move that signals a major shift in Saudi Arabia’s logistics landscape, a successful trial of drone-based parcel delivery was carried out in Jeddah. This marks the Kingdom’s first official experiment using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for postal services, bringing together aviation and logistics regulators to explore faster, safer, and more sustainable delivery solutions.
Strategic collaboration between aviation and logistics authorities
The trial was launched under the patronage of Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih, Vice Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Acting President of the Transport General Authority (TGA). The initiative was jointly executed by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and the TGA.Each authority played a distinct role:
- GACA was responsible for aviation-related operations and ensuring compliance with air safety standards.
- TGA oversaw the regulatory aspects of the postal sector and facilitated supportive legislation.
This collaboration reflects a coordinated effort within Saudi Arabia’s broader transport and logistics ecosystem to innovate and elevate service delivery through the integration of advanced technologies.
Aligning with vision 2030 and digital transformation goals
Dr. Al-Rumaih described the trial as a “significant leap” for the Kingdom’s parcel delivery infrastructure. According to him, the successful drone test opens up new possibilities for expanding logistics services and creating forward-looking delivery solutions aligned with Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation objectives.The project is a clear demonstration of progress toward Vision 2030, a national plan that aims to diversify the economy and integrate modern technologies into various sectors, including logistics and transport.Officials stressed that drone delivery has the potential to:
- Reduce delivery times
- Enhance operational efficiency
- Support sustainability
- Improve the adaptability of postal and logistics systems to evolving consumer needs and technological shifts
Regulatory readiness and aviation safety compliance
Captain Suleiman Al-Muheimidi, Executive Vice President for Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability at GACA, highlighted the trial as a “breakthrough” in logistics innovation. He emphasized that the project benefits from robust aviation safety frameworks already in place to support advanced drone operations.To facilitate this pilot and future applications of UAVs, GACA has recently updated its aviation safety regulations. These revisions are designed to align with international and regional standards, including:
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
The regulatory updates ensure that drone activities in Saudi airspace adhere to the highest global safety and quality benchmarks, enabling the safe and effective rollout of drone-based logistics solutions across the Kingdom.
Future outlook: Scaling innovation in delivery services
Officials from both GACA and TGA underscored that this drone trial is just the beginning. As the Kingdom moves forward with its strategy to modernize the postal sector, future phases may include:
- Wider deployment of drones for parcel delivery across urban and rural areas
- Development of new regulatory frameworks to govern commercial drone use
- Collaboration with private logistics operators to expand service offerings
By integrating drone technology into its postal infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a regional leader in logistics innovation — one that is embracing sustainability, speed, and technology to meet the demands of a modern economy.
