Abu Dhabi: The UAE has lifted its conditional ban on drone use by individuals
Drones can only be flown during daytime and in good weather conditions
The Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), and other relevant entities, announced that individuals will be allowed to operate drones under specific safety and regulatory conditions.
The move aims to enhance community safety while promoting innovation in line with the UAE’s vision to improve the quality of life.
Details on requirements and regulations can be accessed via the UAE Drones app and the official government website.
The Unified National Drone Platform will facilitate registration and operational processes, contributing to the UAE’s ambitious “We the UAE 2031” vision.
To ensure safe, secure, and environmentally friendly development, while also addressing citizens’ concerns about privacy and data protection, the GCAA has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for unmanned aerial system (UAS) operations in the UAE.
Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2022 Concerning the Regulation of the Civil Use of Unmanned Aircraft and Related Activities aims to ensure the safe use of unmanned aircraft while maintaining the security of the UAE’s airspace.
It also regulates and controls the air navigation services for unmanned aircraft, manages UAS operations effectively, standardizes systems and procedures, and minimizes associated risks. The law further defines the responsibilities and competencies of relevant entities.
There are two main categories of UAS users in the UAE. The first category is individual or private users, who fly drones for leisure or as a hobby. The second category is organizations or operators, who use drones for commercial or non-commercial purposes.
Recreational users of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones must comply with specific regulations. These users can only operate UAVs that weigh 5 kgs or less and must fly them in approved zones as indicated in the ‘My Drone Hub’ app, specifically within the green zones.
Before flying a drone, users must register it with the GCAA. Drones can only be flown during daytime and in good weather conditions, and they must be used strictly for recreational purposes, not for commercial activities.
UAVs must be inspected before flight and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. They are prohibited from flying near public or private property, within 5 km of airports, heliports, airfields, or controlled zones. Users must also maintain a direct radio control link with the UAV and adhere to specific frequency band restrictions.
Additionally, UAVs must be flown within line of sight and cannot exceed 400 feet above ground level. Cameras can only be used in designated flying zones and must comply with relevant privacy laws.
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