THE UNITED ARAB Emirates (UAE) says it plans to use unmanned aerial drones to deliver official documents and packages to its citizens as parts of its effort to upgrade government services.

The drones will be tested for durability and efficiency in Dubai for six months, before being rolled out across the UAE within a year, Reuters reports.

The UAE showed off its prototype drone developed for the government earlier today.

The battery-operated vehicle can carry small parcels and is propelled by four rotors. Features such as fingerprint and eye-recognition systems would be used to protect the drones and their cargo.

The ministers of cabinet affairs, Mohammed al-Gergawi said, “The UAE will try to deliver its government services through drones. This is the first project of its kind in the world.”

The drones would face a number of obstacles including technical and safety issues. It would also have to deal with temperatures which often exceed 40 degrees Centigrade in summer and heavy sandstorms which occasionally sweep across the desert country.

Amazon popularised the idea when it released a video showing how drones would be used to deliver packages. However, the legal and technological hurdles it would have to overcome would mean it would take years for such an initiative to get off the ground.

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