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Middle East races ahead in autonomous deliveries while Germany lags behind

From Dubai's testing zones to Germany's regulatory roadblocks, the future of driverless deliveries is unfolding unevenly. Who's winning—and who's being left behind?

,   and  Administrator
2 min read
The image shows a group of robots working on a conveyor belt in a warehouse, with cardboard boxes...
The image shows a group of robots working on a conveyor belt in a warehouse, with cardboard boxes on the conveyor belts and vehicles on the floor. The robots appear to be automated, suggesting that the warehouse is equipped with a variety of tools and equipment to ensure the safety and efficiency of the workers.

Middle East races ahead in autonomous deliveries while Germany lags behind

Autonomous delivery vehicles are spreading fast worldwide, with China leading the market and the Middle East close behind. Cities like Dubai and Riyadh are pushing ahead by creating special testing zones and simplifying rules for companies. Meanwhile, Germany faces legal and technical hurdles that slow down progress compared to regions like the UAE or Saudi Arabia.

The Middle East's growth in autonomous deliveries is driven by government funding, crowded cities, and the need for services that work in extreme heat. Major hubs such as Dubai and Riyadh have set up dedicated testing areas and sped up approvals to attract global firms. Neolix, a key player, already operates in over 300 cities across 15 countries and plans to deploy 5,000 vehicles in the UAE alone.

China remains the largest market, but the Middle East has now overtaken the U.S. in adoption. Companies like Zelos are expanding quickly, competing with Neolix and eyeing new markets in Singapore, Japan, and the Gulf region. In Germany, progress has been slower. Rewe has tested Starship Technologies' grocery robots in Hamburg since late 2025, while Hermes used similar machines for last-mile deliveries there in 2016. Deutsche Post DHL also trialled its 'PostBOT' for letters and parcels in 2017. However, strict regulations, unreliable GPS in urban areas, and high costs—ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 per unit—hold back wider use. Everyday obstacles like construction sites and parked cars add to the challenges. On university campuses in the U.S. and Europe, autonomous delivery robots have become a common sight. Yet the global market is set to explode, with projections reaching $1.118 trillion by 2026 and annual growth exceeding 200%.

The Middle East's rapid expansion in autonomous deliveries contrasts with Germany's slower pace due to legal and technical barriers. As the global market surges, cities that simplify regulations and invest in infrastructure are likely to see faster adoption. Companies continue to scale up, with Neolix and Zelos leading the push into new regions.

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