Rashid Al Manai is the Chief Executive Officer at LODD, a newlyfounded Abu Dhabi-based company, offering seamless autonomous drone delivery services for last mile and mid- to long-range cargo.

In his role, Al Manai is responsible for setting and executing LODD’s strategy to revolutionise the delivery industry, leveraging smart technology to make it faster, smarter, more efficient and sustainable. He is also responsible for managing the operations and resources of LODD as they aim to fast-track the delivery industry in the UAE to new heights.

With over 23 years of expertise in the aerospace industry, Al Manai brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to LODD. Prior to his current role, Al Manai held the position of Director of Targeted Financial Sanctions at the UAE’s Executive Office for Control and NonProliferation, playing a critical role in setting up the UAE’s export control system and polices for combatting proliferation financing.

Previously, Al Manai held various high-level positions in the aerospace industry, including Board Member & Chairman of the Executive Committee of Tawazun Dynamics, where he was responsible for shaping and executing the company’s goals as a regional leader in aerial weaponry in the Middle East. Between 2007 and 2012, Al Manai was the Chief Operational Officer of ADASI, where he successfully set up the company’s commercially viable operations. Prior to that, Al Manai held the position of Aerodynamic & Structural Team Leader in the development of the F-16 Block 60.

Al Manai holds a B.S in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Arizona, US, graduating Summa Cum Laude, MSc in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, US, and a Master of Engineering Management (MEM) from Wollongong University, UAE.