Reed Smith New Report: “Revolutionising Logistics: How Drones, AAM, and eVTOL are Shaping Middle East’s Supply Chain”
International law firm, Reed Smith, has recently released a new Report entitled, From A2B: Decoding the Global Supply Chain, a comprehensive guide for navigating challenges and opportunities.
Researched and written by staff member, Rhys Monahan, the Report looks at the Middle East and how the region is positioning itself as a global leader in the integration of advanced technologies, logistics and supply chain operations.
Long recognised for its strategic importance and resource wealth, the Mid East’s growing interest in becoming the leader of the AAM industry could shape the future progress of eVTOL and drone operations.

Rhys Monahan
The Report states, “In a region defined by vast deserts and rugged terrain, traditional logistics can be slow and cumbersome. In increasingly busy Middle Eastern cities and industrial centres, traditional transportation can often be caught up in traffic, road accidents or, as we saw earlier in the year, adverse weather conditions. Drones and AAM bypass these geographical or traditional transportation barriers, enabling faster delivery times even to the most remote or congested areas.”
It goes on, “In regions where logistical networks are still developing or prohibitively expensive, the economic advantages of drones and AAM are particularly compelling.”
The Report
https://www.reedsmith.com/en/perspectives/from-a2b-decoding-the-global-supply-chain
Monahan points out, “Industries like oil and gas, which are central to many Middle Eastern economies, drones are already being used to monitor pipelines and inspect facilities. This reduces the need for workers to operate in hazardous conditions, minimising risks while maintaining operational efficiency.”
Adding, “Furthermore, the environmental benefits of these technologies align with the region’s growing focus on sustainability. Drones, AAM, and eVTOL powered by renewable energy have the potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of supply chains, while investment in cutting-edge battery technologies, such as hydrogen and synthetic fuels, is fostering the development of local industries.”

EHang’s first manned flight test of 216‑S eVTOL in Abu Dhabi, UAE (May). (Credit: EHang)
He then looks at the challenges of adoption which he refers to as “navigating complexity.”
: The regulatory environment across the Middle East is still evolving, and countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia are working quickly to draft laws that not only ensure safety but also encourage investment. Harmonising these regulations across borders remains a challenge, particularly as the technology continues to develop rapidly, forcing legislators to keep pace.
: Security concerns also loom large, with fears that drones could be used for espionage or targeted by hostile actors. Ensuring robust safeguards will be essential to building trust in these technologies.
: Public perception poses another challenge. The increased use of drones for surveillance and monitoring has raised questions about privacy, highlighting the need for clear policies that balance technological progress with individual rights.
: Technical limitations, including battery life and payload capacity, and the integration of ai and airspace management systems, further complicate matters.
: The technological leap could increase global economic disparities and create an uneven playing field. Large corporations and countries with the resources to adopt these technologies are likely to benefit most, potentially widening the gap between them and smaller businesses and countries struggling to compete.
Monaghan then mentions various compelling case studies including Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) partnership with Joby Aviation to launch electric air taxi service by 2026 with plans for 4,000 daily flights connecting a network of vertiports.

Joby Aviation Partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) (Credit: Joby)
He concludes that the Middle East “could redefine its role in the global logistics landscape and faces an opportunity to lead the way in integrating advanced logistics solutions.”
But warns, “Policymakers must create robust and flexible regulations; the private sector must invest in research and development to overcome technical hurdles; and all stakeholders must work together to ensure maximise the benefits of these innovations for all.”
If these challenges can be met, “The Middle East could redefine not only its own supply chains but also its role in the global logistics landscape. The integration of drones, AAM, and eVTOL into the region’s transport networks represents more than just technological progress; it is a chance to set a global standard for innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in the supply chain industry. This next decade may become the Middle East’s transportation revolution or even, the drone age.”
For more information
(Top image: Credit — Reed Smith)
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