Dubai took the first steps to creating a commercial drone network on Saturday as it set out plans for miniature helipads and an air traffic control system.
The Dubai Sky Dome project would pave the way for the delivery of packages and even the transport of passengers, the government said.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, said an initial framework has been drawn up that includes laws and regulations.
The Dubai Sky Dome will create an airspace infrastructure for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that could connect buildings through "runways and miniature airports across the city".
"Drone systems represent one of the most promising emerging technologies in the civil aviation and transport sector," said Sheikh Ahmed, also chief executive and founder of Emirates Airline.
An air traffic control system to manage the use of multiple UAVs would be named 'Dubai Shield'.
Officials said a series of measures would need to be in place to "address safety and security risks faced by the airspace due to drone activity".
Mohamed Abdullah Lengawi, head of the Dubai Sky Dome project team, said it "aims to tap into massive potential opportunities for drone systems".
"Global studies indicate that the drones transport systems market, which consists mainly of delivery of goods, transport of passengers and freight, surveying and imaging, holds considerable promise as an emerging sector."
Companies including Amazon, DHL and UPS have tested drones that can deliver packages in recent years as they look to cut down on traditional vehicle use.
Medical firms such as San Francisco-based Zipline has flown medicine delivery drones in Rwanda and Ghana for several years and in April asked US authorities for permission to operate domestic services as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The technology to collect a package and deliver it by air has existed for a number of years - but the lack of systems to manage multiple UAVs, especially over cities, has prevented the industry from picking up.
A surge in e-commerce and online shopping since the coronavirus outbreak has led to renewed interest in unmanned deliveries.
Dubai's government said a new law covers the use, circulation, registration, manufacturing, import, sale, and possession of drones.
It also sets out rules governing the use of airspace, including around airports and other restricted and dangerous areas.
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Kamindu Mendis bio
Full name: Pasqual Handi Kamindu Dilanka Mendis
Born: September 30, 1998
Age: 20 years and 26 days
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Major teams Sri Lanka's Under 19 team
Batting style: Left-hander
Bowling style: Right-arm off-spin and slow left-arm orthodox (that's right!)
Takreem Awards winners 2021
Corporate Leadership: Carl Bistany (Lebanon)
Cultural Excellence: Hoor Al Qasimi (UAE)
Environmental Development and Sustainability: Bkerzay (Lebanon)
Environmental Development and Sustainability: Raya Ani (Iraq)
Humanitarian and Civic Services: Women’s Programs Association (Lebanon)
Humanitarian and Civic Services: Osamah Al Thini (Libya)
Excellence in Education: World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) (Qatar)
Outstanding Arab Woman: Balghis Badri (Sudan)
Scientific and Technological Achievement: Mohamed Slim Alouini (KSA)
Young Entrepreneur: Omar Itani (Lebanon)
Lifetime Achievement: Suad Al Amiry (Palestine)
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How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
'Ghostbusters: From Beyond'
Director: Jason Reitman
Starring: Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace
Rating: 2/5
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APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
Display: 21cm Liquid Retina Display, 2266 x 1488, 326ppi, 500 nits
Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Storage: 128/256/512GB
Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4
Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR 4, full-HD @ 25/30/60fps
Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID
Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight
In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter
Price: From Dh2,099
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SUZUME
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Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, John Oliver
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
SPECS
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