The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), in collaboration with Amazon UAE, has unveiled a new Gig Economy Programme under the emirate’s Sandbox Dubai initiative, enabling individuals to deliver Amazon packages on foot.
Approved by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the DFF Board of Trustees, the Sandbox initiative is designed to foster innovative business models by creating supportive legislative frameworks.
The pilot programme aims to generate new income streams for individuals and small businesses through flexible, on-foot delivery services across densely populated neighborhoods. It is also expected to contribute to Dubai’s sustainability goals by reducing reliance on delivery vehicles, easing traffic congestion, and lowering carbon emissions.
Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President of Amazon Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye, stated that the initiative will utilize Amazon’s scale and technology to “support the gig economy and entrepreneurship while enhancing customer convenience.”
Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in developing legislation that encourages innovation and strengthens Dubai’s economic competitiveness.
The initiative aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the emirate’s economy within the next decade and position it among the world’s top three global cities.
Sandbox Dubai offers innovators a controlled testing environment to trial business models and services, enabling regulatory authorities to shape evidence-based policies that foster sustainable growth.
–Input WAM
