Dubai CommerCity (DCC), the region’s first free zone dedicated to digital commerce, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Aramex and QuikBot Technologies to pilot QuikBot’s Autonomous Final-Mile Delivery (AFMD) Platform-as-a-Service. This collaboration positions DCC as a hub for futuristic logistics technologies, enhancing the digital commerce ecosystem.
The MoU was signed during the WORLDEF Dubai 2024 forum, held on December 4-5 at Dubai CommerCity. Attendees included His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ and Chairman of the DCC Board, His Excellency Raziff Aljunied, Singapore’s Consul General, and Manosij Ganguli, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at Aramex. Key signatories were Amna Lootah, DCC Board Member; Tarek Abu Yaghi, General Manager of Aramex; and Alan Ng, Founder and CEO of QuikBot Technologies.
This initiative aligns with the Dubai Robotics and Automation Program launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The program aims to establish Dubai as a global leader in robotics and automation, boosting efficiency in logistics and industrial sectors while strengthening the emirate’s economic competitiveness.
Pioneering Innovation in Logistics
Amna Lootah commented: “Dubai CommerCity remains committed to adopting cutting-edge technologies that enhance operational efficiency and logistics services. This trial of autonomous delivery robots underscores our vision of establishing DCC as a leading hub for digital commerce and innovative solutions.”
Tarek Abu Yaghi of Aramex remarked: “Our collaboration with Dubai CommerCity and QuikBot Technologies reflects our focus on sustainable and advanced delivery solutions, ensuring our customers benefit from the highest standards of service.”
Alan Ng of QuikBot Technologies added: “We are thrilled to launch our autonomous last-mile delivery platform in partnership with Aramex. Dubai CommerCity’s infrastructure provides the ideal environment to implement and scale our solution, with potential to replicate it in other smart cities globally.”
Key Features of the Pilot Project
The trial will test autonomous robots for last-mile delivery within DCC’s facilities. Dubai CommerCity will allocate robot parking and charging zones, integrate the robots with IoT-enabled building systems, and encourage adoption among companies in the free zone. Aramex’s DCC outlet will serve as a collection point, while QuikBot will provide and manage the robots, alongside offering a dedicated delivery management app and technical support.
Spanning 2.1 million square feet and developed at a cost of AED 3.2 billion, Dubai CommerCity offers world-class infrastructure tailored to digital commerce. Its services include advisory support, advanced logistics, integrated ecommerce platforms, and flexible office and warehouse solutions, fostering growth for companies in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.
