Regulations to Fly a Drone in the UAE: Flying a drone may seem like a simple, negligible activity. But not in UAE. In UAE, there are several restrictions as to where, when and who can fly the drone. The UAE government keeps in its highest regards the safety of its citizens, so instead of mitigating a disaster, they take necessary actions to prevent it. Not only for the safety, but the flying of drones is regulated so that the privacy of the citizens can be protected.

Registration

For anyone to fly the drone in the country, a registration process needs to be done. This is regulated by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and to register one needs to visit their website and follow the instructions. The drone operator/owner needs to undergo a test in the training grounds of Sanad Academy. Only upon scoring a successful 85% or above will the operator be certified and eligible for a drone license. Upon submitting the license and drone number to GCAA, the operator card will be issued.

No-Fly Zones

Drone operators are not allowed to fly the drones in, around or over airports, especially to avoid air traffic and prevent the safety of the lights. In addition to that, flying over residential areas is also off-limits, to protect the privacy of the people. Further, each drone operator must install the UAE Drone Fly Zone Map App to always keep in check whether they are in the green zones.

Flying for Recreation

Keeping in mind that the drones are registered, they can only be below 5 kilograms (11 pounds). They cannot be equipped with drop and release mechanisms and should always stay in the line of sight and not more than 400 feet above ground level. Collision with objects or people or other aircraft must be avoided.

Flying for Professional and Commercial Purposes

Drone operators when flying for commercial purposes must obtain operational approval before each time they make use of the drone. The application must include whether or not the use of capturing devices will be involved. The operational areas under this category include Aeriel Work, Agriculture, Air Show, Fire fighting, Inspection, Media, Petroleum, Protecting Wildlife, Screening, Surveillance, Survey, Weather forecasting.

Laws and Penalty

Article 69 of the UAE law states that a person can be imprisoned up to one year or/and be fined as much as fifty thousand Dhirams if found that the drone operator does not have a license or that it has been expired. Other rules include that the aircraft cannot be manned when the operator is inebriated/drunk, and the drone cannot damage any aeronautical communication facilities or navigation aids on the ground amongst other specifics.

Article 70 states that a person can be imprisoned up to three years or/and be fined as much as a hundred thousand Dhirams if found that the person doesn’t bear the nationality of the country. Flying over restricted areas, airports, and territory of the State falls under defying this law. Using a drone as an aid to carry ammunitions or any weapons and committing or even intending to commit a felony is punishable.

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