The United Arab Emirates is set to deploy unmanned drones to deliver official government documents such as driving licenses and identity cards within a year, according to a report from Reuters.
Announced by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Mohammed Al Gergawi, the drones will be tested in Dubai throughout the next six months for durability and efficiency, and then be implemented across the UAE soon after.
"The UAE will try to deliver its government services through drones. This is the first project of its kind in the world," Gergawi told Reuters.
The battery operated quadcopters will measure around half a meter (1.64 ft) across and sport the UAE flag, with a compartment on top to carry the small parcels.
According to Reuters, the vehicles will use fingerprint and eye-recognition systems to correctly identify recipients as a security measure.
Proposals for large-scale deployment of unmanned drones have garnered considerable attention recently, most notably Amazon's announcement of Prime Air, a plan to deliver Amazon orders to customers within 30 minutes.
Source: Reuters