Dubai Future Foundation partners with Oxa to launch SHIFFT autonomous logistics venture
The Lab’s first phase will focus on developing and deploying autonomous vehicle solutions for ports and airports, with the partners aiming to launch the first commercial deployment in Dubai before the end of 2027.
UAE – Dubai Future Foundation has partnered with global vehicle technology company Oxa to launch a joint venture focused on developing autonomous logistics solutions, as the emirate seeks to strengthen its position as a global hub for intelligent transport and logistics while advancing the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
Launched under the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Ecosystem, the new venture SHIFFT will serve as a platform for developing, testing and validating advanced autonomous logistics technologies.
Dubai Future Foundation said the joint venture will contribute to the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), including the goal of doubling Dubai’s foreign trade by 2033.
Autonomous Technologies and Industrial Applications
SHIFFT will integrate autonomous driving technologies into a fully integrated logistics platform that combines autonomous operations with worksite data collection, analysis, and operational intelligence, enabling end-to-end deployment across industrial environments.
The venture will utilize configurable autonomous driving software, cloud-based fleet management systems and specialized autonomy hardware, all designed to integrate seamlessly with existing industrial vehicles and equipment.
Additionally, the Lab’s first phase will focus on developing and deploying autonomous vehicle solutions for ports and airports, with the partners aiming to launch the first commercial deployment in Dubai before the end of 2027.
Strategic Vision and Economic Impact
Khalifa Al Qama, Chief of Dubai’s RDI Ecosystem, overseen by Dubai Future Foundation, said: “Through this Lab, we aim to develop new intelligent logistics solutions that create economic opportunities while accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies and their practical applications. The initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to strengthening its position as a global hub for the future of logistics services by transforming promising technologies into real-world solutions that deliver tangible economic and operational impact.”
Industry Leadership and Future Outlook
Paul Newman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Oxa, said: “This joint venture with Dubai Future Foundation will accelerate the development and commercial deployment of Industrial Mobile Autonomy technologies, enabling new levels of efficiency, reliability and safety for operators of industrial vehicle fleets.”
Finally, this collaboration represents a strategic move to turn experimental automated technologies into practical, large-scale solutions for the global supply chain, with the venture remaining prepared to expand its autonomous logistics solutions to additional industrial environments to sustain long-term growth in the sector.
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