PureLab, which operates one of the largest networks of laboratories in the Middle East, is partnering with advanced air mobility company LODD Autonomous for a pilot project to transport blood samples between SEHA Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) and PureLab’s Abu Dhabi headquarters using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The initiative aims to improve speed, efficiency, and accelerate the transport of critical medical samples through LODD’s UAV technology. This will enable the safe, reliable, and daily transfer of vital blood samples in compliance with relevant health regulatory standards in the emirate. The reduced diagnostic turnaround times will enhance the overall speed and efficiency of medical response.
PureLab is a subsidiary of PureHealth, and the pilot is being supported by Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
UAVs to transport blood samples
Badr Al-Olama, Director-General, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, said: “Through the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster, Abu Dhabi is advancing the frontier of autonomous technology through real-world applications that directly improve lives.
“This pilot marks a defining step in how autonomous systems can strengthen healthcare delivery, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s position as a world-class testbed where the future of mobility is designed and deployed for global impact.”
By uniting precision medicine with precision mobility, PureLab is helping shape a new era of connected, sustainable healthcare and CEO Arindam Haldar added: “Every minute saved in transporting blood samples is a minute gained for patients awaiting diagnosis.
“By integrating drone logistics into our diagnostics network, we’re not just improving delivery times, we’re advancing the entire continuum of care. This pilot reflects our belief that healthcare innovation must serve people faster, smarter, and with greater environmental responsibility. It’s a perfect example of how Abu Dhabi’s vision for automation and sustainability translates into real-world impact.”
The project represents a major step forward in integrating autonomous technologies into healthcare logistics. It also seeks to minimise environmental impact while strengthening the efficiency and dependability of diagnostic services.
Rashid Al Manai, Chief Executive Officer of LODD Autonomous, said: “This pilot project is a real-world demonstration of how autonomous aviation can enhance healthcare logistics through fast, safe, and sustainable medical transport solutions.
“What we are doing today is not a distant vision, it is a practical step toward improving responsiveness and elevating healthcare service quality in Abu Dhabi.”
The collaboration showcases how UAE’s government vision and private-sector innovation can converge to deliver transformative solutions. Supported by ADIO and SASC, the project reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a living laboratory for future technologies in healthcare, mobility, and sustainability.
