The UAE-based logistics startup, led by former Talabat CEO Tomaso Rodriguez, plans to expand its driverless delivery operations across local and international markets.

Autonomous logistics may be moving from pilot programs to commercial reality in the UAE.

CargoX, a UAE-based autonomous delivery platform, secured USD 250 million in funding from an investor group led by BlueFive Capital. The fresh capital will support the rollout of its driverless logistics network across the UAE while accelerating expansion into international markets.

Why You Should Care

The funding marks one of the largest disclosed investments into autonomous logistics infrastructure in the region. As e-commerce volumes continue to grow and supply chains face mounting pressure to improve efficiency, companies are increasingly exploring automation to reduce delivery costs, improve reliability, and address labor-intensive logistics operations.

For the UAE, the investment also reinforces its position as a testing ground for emerging mobility and transportation technologies, supported by regulators that have actively opened pathways for autonomous vehicle deployment.

CargoX operates autonomous delivery vehicles across last-mile, middle-mile, and long-haul logistics routes.  Its technology has been piloted on public roads in the UAE, with commercial operations expected to begin soon in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. 

The platform has established partnerships with major players across the e-commerce, retail, and logistics sectors. It has also engaged with government entities including Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Abu Dhabi Mobility as it prepares for commercial deployment. Additionally, the company will be led by Tomaso Rodriguez, the former CEO of Talabat. 

Looking ahead, with the new funding, it aims to expand its autonomous vehicle fleet, strengthen operational infrastructure, advance vehicle technology, and develop additional partnerships across logistics markets.

“The Middle East is ready for a step-change in logistics efficiency, and autonomous delivery is no longer a future concept, it is happening today. With $250 million in funding, we now have the firepower to scale – starting in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, then globally,” said Tomaso Rodriguez, the CEO of CargoX.

The Ripple

The investment reflects growing interest in autonomous transportation technologies beyond passenger mobility. While much of the global attention around self-driving vehicles has focused on robotaxis, logistics is emerging as one of the earliest commercial applications with a clearer path to deployment.

The development could also influence how retailers, e-commerce platforms, and logistics operators approach delivery networks, particularly in urban markets where speed and cost efficiency are becoming increasingly important competitive advantages.

What to Watch

CargoX’s next milestone will be the transition from pilot testing to full commercial operations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Industry attention will likely focus on how quickly autonomous deliveries can be integrated into existing logistics networks and whether the company can replicate its UAE model in international markets.

The rollout could offer an early indication of how autonomous logistics evolves from a controlled testing environment into a commercially viable transportation network at scale.