Individuals in the UAE can legally operate drones, starting 7 January 2025, following strict guidelines established by the Ministry of Interior, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA).
This decision aims to balance recreational innovation with public safety under the "We the UAE 2031" vision.
Rules for recreational drone use
The new regulations outline specific requirements to ensure drones are operated responsibly:
Mandatory Registration: All drones must be registered with the GCAA through the Unified National Drone Platform or the UAE Drones app.
Weight Limit: Only drones weighing 5 kgs or less are permitted for individual use.
Designated Flying Zones: Drones can only be flown within approved green zones specified in the ‘My Drone Hub’ app.
Time and Weather Restrictions: Drone operations are allowed only during daylight hours and in good weather conditions.
Altitude Limits: Drones must not exceed an altitude of 400 feet above ground level.
Safety Distance: Operators must maintain a distance of at least 5 km from airports, heliports, airfields, and other controlled zones.
Privacy Protection: Using drones to capture images or videos near public or private property is prohibited unless in compliance with privacy laws and regulations.
Pre-Flight Inspections: Drones must be inspected before every flight to ensure they meet manufacturer standards.
Direct Line of Sight: Operators must maintain a visual line of sight with their drones at all times.
Communication Compliance: Adherence to specific frequency band restrictions is required to avoid interference with airspace systems.
Unified Drone Platform
The National Unified Drone Platform simplifies operations for drone enthusiasts, serving as a centralised hub for registration, guidelines, and updates. It also includes an Incident Report feature for logging accidents or violations, reinforcing safety standards.
Penalties for violations
Authorities have warned of penalties for breaching the regulations, which could include fines or confiscation of equipment. Users must also report any incidents via the UAE Drones app to promote a secure flying environment.
The UAE’s proactive measures balance recreational use with airspace safety, marking a step forward in fostering responsible drone operations while achieving strategic goals under the UAE Centennial 2071 vision.