Watch: drone delivers Costa coffee on Kite Beach in Dubai

The Coffee-copter has arrived.

After 82 per cent of customers said they would agree to having a drone deliver their food and beverages, Costa decided to give it a try with its “Drone Drop” service in Dubai.

The Costa branch located on Jumeirah Beach Road provided local beach-goers with a glimpse of what the future could hold for instant delivery.

Customers in the Kite Beach area were given the opportunity to see the drone in action. Baristas created the beverages and, within 15 minutes of receiving the order, sent them straight to the beach using a specially engineered drone.

Watch below to see the drone in action.

“Dubai is known for leading the way with innovative technology and drones are the next frontier for instant delivery,” said Shemaine Jones, head of marketing at Costa Coffee UAE.

"Our customers told us they’d love to have their favourite drinks dropped off by drones, so we’re super-excited to have successfully tested this service, enabling beach-goers to enjoy ice-cold beverages without leaving the comfort of their sun loungers."

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What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

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The National Archives, Abu Dhabi

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