DUBAI: As of January 2025, the UAE government has lifted the conditional ban on individual drone use, enabling enthusiasts to soar through the skies under strict regulations.
Residents and citizens must meet legal and safety requirements outlined by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to register their drones and obtain a valid drone licence.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps for acquiring your drone licence and registering your device in compliance with UAE regulations.
Training centres for drone certification
To fly a drone in the UAE, you must obtain a training certificate from an accredited centre. Without this certification, registering as a drone operator is not possible.
The GCAA has authorised the following centres:
Versa Aerospace
- Location: Abu Dhabi
- Email: registration@versa-aerospace.com
- Hotline: +971 2 246 4317
Melaaha Drones
- Location: Fujairah
- Email: info@melaaha.ae
- Phone: +971 50 551 3035
Emirates Falcon Aeroclub
- Location: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
- Email: info@emiratesfalcons.ae
- Phone: +971 3 785 4444
Training fees and schedules vary, so contact the centres for updated details.
How to register as drone operator
The official UAE Drones app (available for iOS and Android) or the website drones.gov.ae streamlines the registration process for drone operators. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Fulfil Eligibility Requirements
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Hold a valid training certificate from a GCAA-accredited centre.
- Ensure your drone weighs no more than 5 kg.
Step 2: Submit Required Documents
- Emirates ID and residence visa copy
- Passport copy
- Pilot training certificate
- Recent photograph
Step 3: Register Your Profile
- Sign up using UAE Pass.
- Enter your personal details, including passport and Emirates ID numbers.
- Upload supporting documents and agree to the terms.
Once approved, you will receive an email to pay a one-time registration fee of Dh100.
Registering your drone
To register your drone:
- Go to the "My Drones" section on the app or website.
- Provide details such as manufacturer, model, serial number, and weight.
- Upload a photo of the drone and supporting documents.
Fees:
- Recreational drone registration: Dh200 (renewable every two years).
You’ll receive a confirmation once the drone is successfully registered.
Beyond registration, the UAE Drones app serves as a comprehensive tool for drone operators:
- Request flight approvals: Submit flight plans for GCAA review.
- Real-time weather updates: Plan safe operations with detailed weather insights.
- Track submissions: Monitor the status of flight requests and approvals.
UAE drone usage restrictions
Drone operators must adhere to the following rules to ensure public safety:
- Avoid flying near public or private property.
- Maintain a 5 km distance from airports, heliports, and airfields.
- Ensure compliance with restricted areas marked on the app’s map.
Can I fly drone in Dubai?
Despite the federal decision to lift restrictions, recreational drone use remains prohibited in Dubai, as stated by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. Authorities are reviewing the matter, and updates are expected soon.