noon, the region’s leading homegrown e-commerce platform, has announced a strategic partnership with global tech company Yango Group to deploy and scale autonomous robot delivery across the GCC. The initiative marks a significant step in moving autonomous last-mile technology from the pilot stage to a live, operational service, beginning with deliveries for noon Minutes customers.
From Pilot to Commercial Rollout
The collaboration is launching with a commercial rollout in Dubai’s Sobha Hartland community. Residents placing orders through noon Minutes can now select the robot delivery option directly in the noon app at checkout. The service allows customers to track the robot’s journey in real-time and unlock its secure compartment using their smartphone upon arrival, offering a seamless and contactless delivery experience.
This initial deployment serves as the foundation for a broader expansion plan, with both companies aiming to scale the service across the UAE and the wider GCC region based on operational data and customer feedback.
Enhancing Last-Mile Logistics
The integration of autonomous robots into noon’s last-mile network is set to provide a smart and sustainable layer to its delivery infrastructure. The technology aims to add crucial delivery capacity during peak hours, ensure consistent service levels, and reduce urban emissions and traffic congestion.
“Partnering with Yango Group lets us bring a future-ready delivery option straight to our customers,” said Ali Kafil-Hussain, Chief Business Officer at noon. “Autonomous robots add a smart, sustainable layer to our last-mile network. They give us extra delivery capacity during peak times, help keep service levels consistent, reduce emissions and congestion, and create an experience that feels natural for customers who already live their lives through digital solutions.”
A Vision for a Smarter City
The fully electric robots are powered by Yango’s advanced AI navigation and routing technologies, enabling them to independently plan routes, navigate obstacles, and yield to pedestrians. The technology has already been proven in Dubai’s real-world conditions, with the robots completing over 1,500 kilometres of autonomous travel in previous pilots.
“Together with noon, we see this partnership as a stepping stone towards making autonomous delivery an everyday, reliable service for communities across the UAE,” said Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head, Yango Group Middle East.
This initiative is supported by prior approval from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which allows the robots to operate on public walkways and within residential areas. The collaboration aligns with the UAE and Dubai’s strategic goals to advance smart mobility and build a more sustainable digital city infrastructure.
About noon
noon.com was founded with the objective of fostering an ecosystem of regionally based digital companies to secure the region’s digital landscape’s future. Its mission is to provide customers and companies in the Middle East with outstanding value and support. Initially launched in the UAE and Saudi Arabia in 2017, noon expanded to Egypt in 2019 and has become a leading online shopping destination in the Middle East, with strong native capabilities in its marketplace, fulfillment, logistics, and payment systems.
About Yango Group
Yango Group is a tech company that transforms global technologies into everyday services tailored for local communities. With a commitment to innovation, Yango reshapes and enhances leading-edge technologies from around the world into seamlessly integrated daily services for diverse regions. Its mission is to bridge the gap between world-class innovations and local communities, fostering connections and enhancing everyday living experiences.
Source: Zawya
