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Drone deliveries all about speed, not profit, says Careem

By Shruthi Nair

Drone deliveries across the Middle East are expected to grow significantly over the next decade. However, the commercial viability is up for debate, says a Careem executive.

Mohamad Charafeddine, Careem’s vice president of product for data and AI, says that drone deliveries have their value in speed, such as for essential medical products. But the cost of carrying a small quantity of something, such as a food order, is still cheaper on the road.

“Most delivery companies are low-margin businesses,” Charafeddine says. “It’s 10 times more efficient delivering a kilogram on wheels than flying it.

“However, if you are hindered by traffic or there’s no access by road, then the value proposition of a drone can help.”

Watch the video above to find out more from Charafeddine including Careem’s latest strategy.

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