The certification program moves Hili from development and flight testing into the pathway toward commercial operations, positioning the hybrid-electric aircraft as a potential enabler of faster and more flexible cargo transportation across the UAE and the wider region.

Designed and developed in Abu Dhabi, Hili is a hybrid-powered vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) cargo aircraft capable of carrying payloads of up to 250 kilograms over distances of up to 700 kilometers. The aircraft has been purpose-built to support civilian logistics operations, with potential applications spanning healthcare, energy, humanitarian response, offshore operations, industrial supply chains, and regional cargo transportation.

Certification Program Enters Formal Phase

The certification process will include aircraft design approval activities, airworthiness compliance demonstrations, ground and flight testing, operational evaluations, and comprehensive safety assessments. These steps are required to demonstrate compliance with applicable aviation standards before the aircraft can enter commercial service.

The program is being conducted under the supervision of the UAE’s Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, with the GCAA serving as the certifying authority. The initiative is also supported by key stakeholders in Abu Dhabi’s advanced mobility ecosystem, including the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) through its Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster.

Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD Autonomous, described the launch of the certification program as one of the most significant milestones in the aircraft’s development.

“The launch of the Hili certification program marks one of the most significant milestones in the evolution of the aircraft and reflects the progress we have made across design, engineering and flight testing. Entering formal certification demonstrates the maturity of the Hili program and moves Hili from development into the pathway towards commercial operations.”

Al Manai added that the company is working closely with the GCAA to demonstrate compliance with the highest standards of airworthiness and safety.

Advancing Middle-Mile Logistics

The launch of the Hili certification program comes as governments, logistics providers, and technology companies increasingly explore autonomous solutions to improve cargo transportation and supply chain resilience.

Unlike small last-mile delivery drones, Hili has been designed specifically for middle-mile logistics, enabling cargo transportation between cities, industrial zones, logistics hubs, airports, and remote operational sites without relying on conventional runway infrastructure.

The aircraft’s capabilities could prove particularly valuable for sectors requiring fast and reliable movement of goods, including healthcare supply chains, urgent spare-parts delivery, offshore energy operations, and humanitarian logistics.

As e-commerce, healthcare delivery, and regional trade continue to accelerate, demand for more flexible transportation networks is also increasing. Autonomous VTOL cargo aircraft have the potential to establish more direct routes between logistics nodes, reducing dependency on traditional road networks and enabling faster movement of critical cargo.

Upon certification, Hili is expected to support a broad range of commercial applications, including middle-mile logistics, healthcare supply chains, offshore operations, humanitarian response, and regional cargo transportation.

Abu Dhabi Strengthens Its Advanced Mobility Ambitions

The Hili certification program also reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to position itself as a global hub for smart mobility and advanced aviation technologies. By bringing together regulators, industry stakeholders, and ecosystem partners, the initiative demonstrates the emirate’s collaborative approach to developing and deploying next-generation transportation solutions.

Eng. Aqeel Al Zarooni, Assistant Director General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the GCAA, said the initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to supporting innovation while maintaining the highest aviation safety standards.

“Advanced aircraft programs such as Hili play an important role in the evolution of aviation and support the safe integration of next-generation technologies into the national aviation ecosystem.”

Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, noted that the certification of advanced autonomous aviation systems such as Hili represents an important step in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s integrated mobility ecosystem. Meanwhile, Ali AlHashmi, Head of the SAVI Cluster at ADIO, emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry, regulators, and ecosystem partners in advancing next-generation aviation technologies.

Toward Commercial Deployment

Founded in 2023, LODD Autonomous develops autonomous aviation and advanced logistics solutions from its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. As the certification process progresses, Hili could become one of the first advanced autonomous civilian aircraft to be designed, engineered, and certified in the UAE.

For the logistics and e-commerce sectors, the program highlights the growing role of autonomous aviation in the future of cargo transportation. If successfully certified and deployed, Hili could contribute to a new generation of autonomous logistics networks, enabling faster, more flexible, and more resilient movement of goods across the UAE and beyond.

According to the Council of the EU, the practice was introduced because the current duty-free entry system causes unfair competition for EU sellers, health and safety risks for consumers, high levels of fraud and environmental concerns.

New Customs Era for Small Parcels

The new practice stipulates that a 3-euro tax will be charged for each different product classification in shipments under 150 euros entering the EU. Accordingly, if a shipment contains three different types of products, the total fee may rise to 9 euros; while 3 euros will be applied to small parcels containing multiple products of the same type. It was stated that 5.8 billion e-commerce shipments under 150 euros entered the EU in 2025, while this figure was 1.4 billion in 2022.

Impact on E-Commerce Platforms and the Retail Sector

The regulation increases pressure on China-based low-cost e-commerce models. Dirk Gotink, who leads the customs reform issue in the European Parliament, said the customs exemption no longer makes sense under old trade conditions; and that e-commerce has changed the system, especially with shipments originating from China. Gotink also stated that the exemption was being used in a way that created a competitive advantage against EU businesses.

It Will Partially Reflect on Consumer Prices

The new costs are expected to be partially reflected in consumer prices. AliExpress announced that for applicable products, the information “customs duties and VAT are included in the price” will be displayed; while for other products, import costs will be presented to customers before payment.

Amazon stated that in 2025, 97 percent of its EU shipments were fulfilled from warehouses within the union; and that import fees for products coming from outside the EU would be displayed before payment. Shein, meanwhile, increased its warehouse capacity in Wroclaw, Poland, as part of its preparations for the change and moved toward sending more products to the EU through bulk shipments.

Decline Expected in Air Shipments

Experts forecast a decline of between 10 percent and 35 percent in e-commerce air shipments to the EU after the new fees come into force. In this process, retail and e-commerce companies are expected to reshape their pricing, warehouse management, cross-border logistics and AI-powered operational planning. (small parcels), (small parcels)

Nilhan Onal Gökçetekin was appointed as CEO of Hepsiburada on January 1, 2023. Gökçetekin stepped down from her role as Hepsiburada CEO as of July 1, 2026. Ender Özgün became the new CEO of Hepsiburada. Özgün will be responsible for the company’s overall management. Hakan Karadoğan will lead Hepsiburada’s logistics division as CEO. Ender Özgün and Hakan Karadoğan will report to Chairman of the Board Mikheil Lomtadze and the Board of Directors.

Mikhail Lomtadze: Nilhan Strengthened Financial Discipline and Operational Infrastructure

Hepsiburada Chairman of the Board Mikhail Lomtadze said the following regarding the appointment in the company’s senior management: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Nilhan for her valuable contributions to Hepsiburada. During her tenure, the company further strengthened its financial discipline and operational infrastructure. This transition process was planned together and managed responsibly, prioritizing Hepsiburada’s continuity and future success.”

Lomtadze said, “Ender and Hakan are leaders who were raised within Hepsiburada and have proven themselves. They know our customers, business partners, sellers, and operations very well. They have the experience and competence to carry the company into its next phase of growth. Ender will lead Hepsiburada as CEO responsible for the company’s overall management. Hakan will serve as CEO of our logistics business.”

Nilhan Onal Gökçetekin: Leading Hepsiburada Was a Great Privilege

Nilhan Onal Gökçetekin made the following assessment: “It was a great privilege for me to lead Hepsiburada and to work with such a talented and dedicated team. I am proud of what we achieved together and of having built a strong foundation for the company’s next phase of growth. I sincerely thank the Board of Directors, my colleagues, our business partners, our sellers, and our customers for their trust and support. I will continue to follow Hepsiburada’s journey with great confidence and appreciation.”

Ender Özgün: My Priority Will Be Our Customers, Our Sellers, and Sustainable Growth

Ender Özgün also used the following statements: “Hepsiburada is one of Türkiye’s leading technology and commerce platforms with its trusted brand, strong team, customers, and its unique place in the lives of its sellers. My priority will be our customers, our sellers, sustainable growth, and building Hepsiburada’s long-term success.”

Hakan Karadoğan said, “Logistics is one of the most critical elements of the Hepsiburada experience. I am very excited to lead our logistics business as CEO. We will continue to further advance speed, reliability, efficiency, and service quality for our customers, sellers, and business partners.”

Kaspi.kz Entered the Turkish Market with Hepsiburada

Kaspi.kz, the Kazakhstan-based company that is one of Eurasia’s leading technology companies, acquired 65.4 percent of Hepsiburada’s shares with an investment of 1.1 billion dollars in January 2025. Kaspi.kz Co-Founder and CEO Mikheil Lomtadze became Chairman of the Board of Hepsiburada on February 3, 2025. Kaspi.kz took another important step in Türkiye by completing a capital increase of 4.17 billion TL in Hepsiburada on December 19, 2025. The CEO change process had begun after this acquisition.

New research shows that while Australians are open to using AI-powered shopping assistants for product discovery, recommendations, and research, trust issues continue to limit the adoption of fully automated checkouts. The findings highlight a growing preference for AI as a shopping companion rather than a replacement for human decision-making.

AI Becomes a Shopping Assistant

Interest in agentic AI shopping tools is rising rapidly across Australia. Consumers are using generative AI platforms to compare products, discover brands, receive personalized recommendations, and simplify the research phase of online shopping. Studies indicate that nearly two-thirds of Australians are interested in trying AI-assisted shopping experiences, reflecting a significant shift in digital consumer behavior.

This trend aligns with broader changes in the retail industry, where AI-powered assistants are increasingly integrated into e-commerce platforms to help shoppers navigate growing product selections and information overload.

Checkout Remains a Human Decision

Despite their enthusiasm for AI-driven recommendations, Australian shoppers remain cautious about allowing AI to complete transactions independently. Research suggests that only a small minority of consumers are comfortable with fully autonomous purchasing.

Security concerns, payment transparency, and the desire to maintain control over spending decisions continue to influence consumer attitudes. Many shoppers view AI as a valuable adviser but believe that the final checkout process should remain firmly in human hands.

Trust Will Define the Future of Agentic Commerce

Consumer trust is emerging as one of the biggest challenges for retailers and technology providers developing agentic commerce solutions. Australians expect AI systems to be transparent about how recommendations are generated and how personal data is used.

Payment providers and established technology companies may have an advantage in this environment, as consumers often associate familiar brands with stronger security and accountability standards.

What It Means for Retailers

For e-commerce businesses, the message is clear: consumers are ready for AI-assisted shopping experiences but are not yet prepared to surrender purchasing control entirely.

Retailers should focus on deploying AI tools that improve product discovery, personalization, and customer support while keeping shoppers actively involved in purchase decisions. Brands that prioritize transparency, security, and human oversight are likely to gain a competitive advantage as agentic commerce continues to evolve.

As AI becomes a more prominent part of online retail, the next phase of e-commerce innovation may depend less on replacing shoppers and more on empowering them with intelligent tools that enhance confidence and convenience.

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UAE Strengthens Its Global AI Leadership Through International Collaboration

The summit brought together government leaders and major technology companies to discuss trusted AI supply chains, secure digital infrastructure, and international cooperation in advancing artificial intelligence. The UAE delegation was led by Saeed Al Hajeri, Minister of State, and included senior officials and representatives from some of the country’s leading technology organizations, including G42, Core42, MGX, and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).

By participating in the joint declaration, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to developing AI ecosystems that are secure, inclusive, and innovation-driven. The country’s involvement also highlights its growing role as a trusted global partner in shaping international AI governance and accelerating technological progress.

Building Trusted AI Infrastructure and Supply Chains

The Pax Silica Summit focused on strengthening collaboration among allied nations to build resilient AI supply chains covering critical areas such as semiconductors, computing infrastructure, energy, and advanced manufacturing. The initiative is increasingly seen as an important platform for fostering trusted partnerships and reducing vulnerabilities in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

The UAE’s participation aligns with its broader national strategy to become a global hub for artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. In recent years, the country has significantly increased investments in digital infrastructure, AI research, and international technology partnerships, positioning itself at the center of global conversations around the future of AI.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape economies and industries worldwide, the UAE’s engagement in initiatives such as Pax Silica demonstrates its intention not only to adopt emerging technologies but also to actively contribute to the development of responsible frameworks that guide their global implementation.

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The Impact of AI Is Increasing in E-Commerce Competition

McKinsey emphasizes that the factor distinguishing this new growth cycle from previous periods is not only demand, but also artificial intelligence-powered capabilities. While generative artificial intelligence transforms product discovery, content production, and customer interaction, analytics systems turn pricing, product variety, and delivery processes into continuously optimized structures.

Otto CEO Boris Ewenstein stated, “AI is the next paradigm shift in e-commerce. Just like the transition from catalogs to online, from online to mobile, and from mobile to platforms, AI will fundamentally change how customers shop and how we serve them.”

Agentic Commerce Is Changing the Shopping Journey

According to the news, agentic AI is redefining e-commerce competition with systems that search for products on behalf of consumers, evaluate options, and carry out multi-stage transactions. McKinsey research shows that 38% of consumers in Europe use generative AI tools for product and service research. In addition, it is projected that by 2030, between $3 trillion and $5 trillion in revenue in global B2C retail could be shaped through agentic commerce models.

Allegro CTPO David Roberts stated that traditional shopping, hyper-personalized recommendations, and the headless commerce model, in which AI assistants shop on behalf of users across platforms, will develop in the customer journey.

Retail, Media, and Omnichannel Are Converging

According to McKinsey, the boundaries between content, media, and purchasing processes are also disappearing. Short videos, live broadcasts, and content creators are no longer only traffic sources, but also function directly as digital stores. Pandora Senior Vice President of E-Commerce Jesper Damsgaard stated, “We want every online interaction to feel as carefully crafted and designed as our jewelry.”

It is also stated that AI-powered retail media networks have become an important area of profitability for companies. The news states that retail media margins can be up to 10 times higher than core retail margins.

Operational Efficiency Comes to the Fore with AI

McKinsey states that AI can reduce transaction time in customer service by 40% to 60%, that AI-powered pricing can increase gross margins by 2 to 5 points, and that it can reduce inventory costs in the supply chain by 10% to 20%. It is stated that in the new era of e-commerce, competitive advantage will strengthen among companies that position AI not only as a tool, but as the core structure of the commercial system.

According to the “2026 E-Commerce Talent Market Insights” report obtained by Wall Street News from 51job, customer service positions remained the largest hiring category in the e-commerce sector in the first quarter of 2026. Despite this, these positions ranked among the areas that saw the largest year-over-year decline in job postings. A significant decrease in the number of job postings was also observed in design-focused positions.

A New Role Definition in Customer Service with Artificial Intelligence

In e-commerce, customer service has long been one of the largest employment areas for platform sellers, brand owners, and service providers. These teams carried out basic operations such as customer inquiries, after-sales support, order processing, returns, and exchanges.

However, the maturation of artificial intelligence-supported customer service systems has begun to change this picture. Intelligent systems can now manage most standard scenarios such as product recommendations, order tracking, return and exchange procedures, and the resolution of after-sales issues.

Some companies are now redefining the role of human representatives not as “problem solvers,” but as “managers of complex exceptions.” This situation shows that companies’ need for customer service personnel is shifting from simple headcount growth toward more competent operational staff.

The AIGC Effect in Design Positions

Design roles are also undergoing a similar transformation. In the past, design teams had to carry out repetitive production, revision, and delivery processes for product detail pages, marketing posters, main images, and short video content.

Today, AIGC tools can perform many basic tasks such as creating product main images, designing posters, producing short video scripts, and generating visual materials. Artificial intelligence is not completely replacing designers, but it is reducing demand for entry-level design labor.

For e-commerce companies, this change means lower content production costs and faster testing cycles. For professionals, it shows a decline in the value of roles based solely on execution skills.

Demand for Technical Talent in E-Commerce Is Increasing

According to the report, demand for technical talent related to artificial intelligence reached its highest level in the last five quarters in the first quarter of 2026. This demand more than doubled compared to the second quarter of 2025.

In China’s e-commerce sector, the core competencies over the past 10 years were supply chain management and traffic operations. In the artificial intelligence era, operational efficiency, user insights, and business decision-making skills are emerging as new areas of competition.

Cross-Border E-Commerce Employment Is Also Rising

The 51job report reveals that globalization continues to be an important driving force in e-commerce growth. In the first quarter of 2026, job postings containing the keywords “cross-border” and “overseas business” reached their highest level in the last five quarters and increased by approximately 20 percent year-over-year.

The “cross-border e-commerce operations” position has ranked among the most heavily recruited categories for many consecutive quarters. Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai stood out as the cities with the highest hiring demand due to their mature supply chains, cross-border ecosystems, and international business infrastructures. The international growth of platforms such as TikTok Shop, Temu, SHEIN, and AliExpress is also increasing demand for overseas-focused positions. Hiring data shows that combinations such as “cross-border + operations,” “cross-border + content,” “cross-border + data analytics,” and “cross-border + artificial intelligence” are becoming increasingly critical.

The funding round was co-led by i2i Ventures and Oraseya Capital. Anchorless Bangladesh, Conjunction Capital, F6 Ventures, Hi2 Global, Orbit Startups, and strategic angel investors including Salman Butt, co-founder of Salla, also participated in the round.

AI-Powered E-Commerce Infrastructure with Revora

Founded in 2021 by Shuvo Rahman and Daniyal Baig, Revora develops an AI-focused operating platform for e-commerce sellers. The platform offers product recommendations through AI agents, recovers abandoned carts, can accept payments within conversations, and structures sellers’ product catalogs in a way that is suitable for AI-powered commerce.

Revora announced that, by repositioning from the MyAlice brand, it has transformed from being only a conversational commerce tool into an integrated AI operating platform for e-commerce sellers. The company stated that the winning sellers in the coming period will not be those with many tools, but those who replace these tools with a smarter and integrated AI layer.

Operating in More Than 21 Countries

Revora currently operates in more than 21 countries. The company announced that its revenue increased 10 times after shifting its focus to Saudi Arabia and the GCC region in late 2024. According to Revora, brands achieve a 15 percent to 20 percent revenue increase with the platform’s AI-powered sales and campaign solutions.

Revora’s AI agents can manage the sales process in customers’ own dialects through WhatsApp, Instagram, or brands’ own websites. These agents can recommend products, recover carts, and complete the payment process directly within the conversation.

“The Way People Buy Is Changing”

Revora Co-Founder Shuvo Rahman said that artificial intelligence is changing not only the way companies sell, but also the way people buy. Rahman said, “We are building Revora on a single assumption: The businesses that will win the next decade will be the ones that an AI can understand, represent, and sell on behalf of.”

Revora Co-Founder Daniyal Baig stated that the most important indicator for the company is not investment, but sellers generating real revenue through the platform. Baig said that this is the core metric they focus on and that they are developing the product in line with this goal.

The Investment Will Be Directed to Growth in Saudi Arabia

Revora announced that the new investment will primarily be used to support growth in Saudi Arabia, the company’s largest and fastest-growing market. The fund will also be directed toward product development efforts for an e-commerce future in which more purchasing processes will move through artificial intelligence.

Daniyal Baig has more than 12 years of experience in the fields of media and fintech in the MENA region. Most recently serving as COO at Forbes Middle East, Baig also developed an inventory management product for small sellers in the region. Shuvo Rahman, before Revora, exited the agritech startup iFarmer and developed a technology platform that connected small farmers with financing, advisory services, and market access.

Investors emphasized that Revora is a company emerging from developing markets, designed according to the needs of the region, and generating concrete revenue in the field of artificial intelligence.

In addition to being Saudi Arabia’s largest acquiring bank, SNB is positioned as the fastest-growing e-commerce acquiring bank in the MENA region. The new partnership will further strengthen the bank’s position as the preferred financial partner, especially for international sellers seeking to enter the Saudi Arabian market.

Advanced Payment Infrastructure with Checkout

Checkout’s global payment infrastructure offers transaction support in more than 145 currencies. The company processed more than $300 billion in e-commerce payment volume internationally in 2025. Thanks to this infrastructure, sellers seeking to operate in Saudi Arabia will be able to benefit from stronger payment acceptance capabilities and opportunities to scale their operations.

The partnership will enable businesses to offer more flexible, fast, and reliable payment options to customers from different markets. This is critically important in terms of Saudi Arabia standing out as one of the fastest-growing digital economies in the region.

Strategic Support for E-Commerce Growth

The cooperation between SNB and Checkout will not be limited only to facilitating payment processes. The partnership also aims to support seller growth, encourage innovation in financial technologies, and make the digital commerce ecosystem in Saudi Arabia more competitive.

In a market where e-commerce is developing rapidly, a secure and uninterrupted payment infrastructure provides an important competitive advantage for brands. In this context, Checkout’s global experience and SNB’s strong position in the local market will offer businesses new opportunities for both regional and international growth.

Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 Goals

The cooperation is also positioned in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals, which support Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation agenda. Within the scope of the partnership, SNB and Checkout will focus on encouraging innovation, facilitating the growth of sellers, and contributing to the development of the digital payment ecosystem in the Kingdom. This strategic step is considered an important development for the future of e-commerce in Saudi Arabia. The Checkout and SNB partnership will both facilitate international sellers’ entry into the market and contribute to providing consumers with faster, safer, and smoother payment experiences.

The facilities, placed at strategic points across the UAE, will operate together with dedicated courier support points within Keeta’s operational areas. In these areas, couriers will be provided with essential amenities such as air-conditioned environments, free cold drinks, seating areas, and the opportunity to rest, meet their hydration needs, and recover during the day.

Summer Support for Couriers with Keeta

The rise in temperatures during the summer months in the UAE is bringing occupational safety and employee welfare back to the agenda, especially for those working outdoors. Companies operating in the rapidly growing delivery sector have recently been investing in more comprehensive support infrastructure, health measures, and safety practices for couriers.

Keeta’s cooling centers are also positioned as part of this approach. The company stated that the program is designed not only to address daily operational needs, but also to respond to the real needs of delivery partners working under summer conditions.

“We Are Creating a Safer and More Supportive Working Environment”

Colin Xu, Head of Logistics Operations at Keeta UAE, said that delivery couriers are at the center of the company’s operations and the service they provide across the UAE. Xu said, “During the summer months, our support for couriers must be practical, accessible, and responsive to the needs on the ground. By increasing access to cooled rest areas, hydration points, and dedicated support facilities, we are strengthening our commitment to courier welfare and creating a safer, more supportive working environment for the people who keep our platform running.”

A Broader Strategy for Courier Welfare

Keeta announced that the program is part of its broader strategy to strengthen courier welfare. The company aims to ensure that delivery partners can access facilities that take into account working conditions during the UAE summer.

Beyond practical needs such as hydration and rest, the initiative also aims to create areas where couriers can take breaks during working hours, communicate with their colleagues, and develop a stronger sense of community.

The company reported that it will continue to collect feedback from couriers throughout the summer period. Keeta aims to improve the program with this feedback and ensure that the facilities remain accessible, useful, and aligned with the daily needs of couriers. The initiative is considered a reflection of the company’s commitment to supporting delivery partners in the long term and providing reliable service to customers across the UAE.