Amazon has launched a new On-Foot Delivery Program in Dubai, giving residents an easy way to earn extra income. The initiative allows individuals to deliver small packages within their own neighborhoods, offering a flexible side hustle that supports the city’s growing e-commerce sector.
Dubai, UAE: A fresh gig economy opportunity has surfaced for residents of Dubai: Amazon UAE, in collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation, has launched a pilot programme enabling individuals and small business owners to deliver packages on foot in densely populated areas of the emirate. Part of the “Sandbox Dubai” initiative, the move aims to unlock flexible earning opportunities while advancing Dubai’s sustainability goals.
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With this launch, Amazon UAE is stepping into a new frontier of delivery—empowering residents to earn additional income through on-foot, last-mile deliveries. The pilot targets busy neighbourhoods where foot delivery makes more sense than traditional vehicle use. For many, this offers a simple way to convert spare time into cash.
A demonstration video shared by the Dubai Media Office showcased how a grocery store worker, upon hearing a delivery van outside, donned a vest and seamlessly stepped in to hand over packages to residents on the street—no car required.
Key benefits of the programme include:
This pilot is part of the broader Dubai Future Foundation’s Sandbox Dubai project, a testing ground for innovative economic models under adaptive regulatory frameworks. The initiative falls under the strategic Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the city’s economy in the coming decade and secure its place among the world’s top three economic hubs.
While the announcement underscores the initiative’s potential, several details are still pending:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| How to Join | Information on registration and participation has not yet been provided. |
| Eligibility | It is likely intended for residents and small business owners, but specifics remain unclear. |
| Compensation | No details on pay structure or incentives have been released yet. |
Interestingly, while Amazon employs a Delivery Service Partner (DSP) model—where entire micro-businesses deliver packages—the on-foot pilot seems aimed at individuals rather than established DSP operators. This suggests an additional tier of participation tailored for gig-style flexibility.
This pilot signals a powerful shift in last-mile logistics—one that redefines delivery through decentralisation and sustainability. As urban congestion becomes a growing concern, especially in high-density zones, on-foot delivery offers an agile, low-cost, and eco-friendly alternative.
By involving individuals directly, especially in local neighbourhoods, Amazon taps into community-based solutions for logistics while supporting the emirate’s green vision.
This programme reflects broader trends in Dubai’s innovation agenda: embracing flexible, sustainable economic models and enabling individuals and small businesses to thrive. It exemplifies how the emirate blends technological advancements with regulatory experimentation to design inclusive solutions.
For residents interested in partaking in the pilot, staying tuned to announcements from Amazon UAE and the Dubai Future Foundation will be key. Details on how to sign up, zones covered, compensation plans, and operational protocols will likely be shared as the rollout progresses.
