DFF and Oxa Unveil Autonomous Logistics Future Lab in Dubai
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has partnered with Oxa to launch the Autonomous Logistics Future Lab in Dubai through their joint venture, SHIFFT. The initiative aims to speed up the development and adoption of autonomous logistics technologies. As a result, it will further strengthen Dubai’s role as a global hub for smart logistics and advanced mobility.
The project operates under the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Ecosystem. Moreover, SHIFFT will provide a platform to develop, test, and validate autonomous logistics solutions. It will also help transform emerging technologies into commercially deployable products while creating opportunities to improve productivity, operational resilience, and economic value across the logistics sector.
Supporting Dubai’s D33 Economic Vision
The joint venture supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), including the target of doubling Dubai’s foreign trade by 2033. In addition, SHIFFT will combine autonomous driving technologies with worksite data collection, operational analysis, and intelligent logistics management. Therefore, the platform will enable end-to-end autonomous operations across industrial environments.
Initially, the Lab will focus on autonomous vehicle solutions for ports and airports. Furthermore, the partners plan to launch the first commercial deployment in Dubai before the end of 2027.
Khalifa Al Qama, Chief of Dubai’s RDI Ecosystem, overseen by DFF, stated that, “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.”
Commercial Deployment Planned by 2027
The initiative marks another step in Dubai’s strategy to expand the use of advanced technologies in industrial logistics. By focusing on real-world deployment, the Lab seeks to improve efficiency, strengthen supply chain resilience, and encourage innovation across key transport infrastructure.
“This joint venture with DFF 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,” noted Paul Newman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Oxa.
