In a significant advancement for Abu Dhabi’s healthcare and technology sectors, PureLab, the Middle East’s largest laboratory network operator, has partnered with advanced air mobility developer LODD Autonomous to launch a pilot program for transporting blood samples via unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The initiative, supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), aims to dramatically improve the speed and efficiency of medical logistics across the emirate.
A New Era for Medical Logistics
The pilot project will establish a drone-based transport route between SEHA Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) and PureLab’s Abu Dhabi headquarters. By leveraging LODD’s next-generation UAV technology, the initiative is designed to enable the safe, reliable, and daily transfer of critical blood samples.
This innovative approach is expected to significantly reduce diagnostic turnaround times, accelerating the entire continuum of care and enhancing the overall speed of medical response for patients. The project also focuses on minimizing environmental impact while strengthening the efficiency and dependability of Abu Dhabi’s diagnostic services.
A Strategic Collaboration Under SAVI Cluster
This forward-thinking collaboration was formalized with a Memorandum of Understanding signed during Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week and operates under the ADIO’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster. The SAVI cluster is designed to accelerate the adoption of intelligent mobility solutions and position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for autonomous technology development.
Insights gathered from these trials will be instrumental in establishing clear standards and regulatory frameworks to enable the future commercial use of medical air transport technologies in the emirate, ensuring both safety and operational excellence.
Leadership Voices on Autonomous Innovation
His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, highlighted the project’s alignment with the emirate’s vision, stating, “Through the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster, Abu Dhabi is advancing the frontier of autonomous technology through real-world applications that directly improve lives. This pilot marks a defining step in how autonomous systems can strengthen healthcare delivery, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s position as a world-class testbed where the future of mobility is designed and deployed for global impact.”
Arindam Haldar, CEO of PureLab, emphasized the direct benefit to patients. “Every minute saved in transporting blood samples is a minute gained for patients awaiting diagnosis,” he said. “By integrating drone logistics into our diagnostics network, we’re not just improving delivery times, we’re advancing the entire continuum of care. This pilot reflects our belief that healthcare innovation must serve people faster, smarter, and with greater environmental responsibility.”
Rashid Al Manai, Chief Executive Officer of LODD Autonomous, commented on the practical application of their technology. “This pilot project is a real-world demonstration of how autonomous aviation can enhance healthcare logistics through fast, safe, and sustainable medical transport solutions. What we are doing today is not a distant vision, it is a practical step toward improving responsiveness and elevating healthcare service quality in Abu Dhabi.”
About PureLab
PureLab, a PureHealth asset, operates and manages the largest network of laboratories in the region, including over 140 ISO Accredited Labs across the UAE. Providing a comprehensive in-house test menu, PureLab conducts over 32 million tests annually, supporting both public and private sector healthcare providers. The company plays a pivotal role in public screening programs and population health management initiatives.
About LODD Autonomous
LODD is an autonomous aerospace company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, pioneering the future of cargo transportation. Founded in 2023, LODD designs, develops, and deploys next-generation autonomous systems to address the challenges of middle-mile cargo logistics. Its flagship UAV, Hili, is engineered to transport payloads of up to 250 kilograms across distances of 700 kilometers, delivering scalable and efficient transport solutions for diverse industries.
Source: Zawya
