Photo Credit : WAM
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Keeta, the international on-demand food delivery platform backed by global technology leader Meituan, to strengthen data-driven policymaking and enhance competitiveness across the emirate’s food delivery, transportation, and logistics sectors.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary of ADDED, reflecting the department’s continued focus on evidence-based policymaking, investment attraction, SME development, and economic diversification.
Supporting Smarter Economic Decisions
Under the MoU, ADDED and Keeta will collaborate on the exchange of data and sector insights to enable informed analysis and more effective decision-making. The partnership will facilitate the sharing of both quantitative and qualitative data related to:
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Business operations
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Transportation and logistics activities
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Market performance
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Sector-specific trends
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Consumer behaviour patterns
The initiative aligns with ADDED’s broader strategy to closely monitor market dynamics and operational challenges across key sectors. By leveraging real-time data and industry insights, the department aims to support comprehensive policy assessment and strengthen regulatory frameworks that foster sustainable economic growth.
Reinforcing Private Sector Collaboration
The agreement forms part of ADDED’s ongoing efforts to deepen private sector engagement and empower small and medium-sized enterprises. Strengthening collaboration with industry players is seen as critical to building a resilient and competitive business ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.
Mohammed Alshaiba Al Sharyani, Acting Director-General of Economic Affairs at ADDED, said the partnership reflects the department’s commitment to enabling investment and shaping a future-ready economy.
“As the catalyst for economic growth and diversification, we are reinforcing our commitment to build a world-class sustainable economy by enabling investments through insights, services, and trusted regulations that empower businesses,” he said.
He added that leveraging high-quality data and technical expertise will enhance understanding of market dynamics, support an enabling regulatory environment, and further position Abu Dhabi as a preferred destination for talent, investment, and enterprise.
Focus on Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building
Beyond data sharing, the MoU places strong emphasis on knowledge transfer and institutional capacity building. Both entities will organise workshops, seminars, and training sessions aimed at strengthening analytical and technical capabilities within their teams.
Lucas Xie, General Manager of Keeta UAE, described the agreement as a step toward creating a more informed and future-ready economic environment.
“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building a resilient and data-informed ecosystem in Abu Dhabi,” he said. “At Keeta, we view data as a practical tool that connects operational realities with smarter decision-making across the food delivery, transportation, and logistics sectors.”
He added that sharing operational insights in alignment with regulatory frameworks would contribute to more efficient market operations and a sustainable business environment.
Driving Competitiveness in a Growing Sector
The food delivery and logistics sector continues to expand across the UAE, driven by digital adoption, changing consumer behaviour, and evolving urban mobility patterns. By integrating private sector data into policy design, Abu Dhabi aims to strengthen sector performance while maintaining regulatory oversight and governance standards.
The ADDED-Keeta partnership signals a broader push toward digital collaboration between government and technology platforms, reinforcing the emirate’s ambition to remain competitive in emerging economic sectors while ensuring long-term resilience.
