The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced that there are currently 23,960 drones registered within the country. Following the lifting of the personal drone ban by UAE authorities, 93 companies have successfully registered, alongside 270 individual applications received to date via the UAE Drones Unified Platform.
This announcement was made during a press conference held by the GCAA in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and the Integrated Transport Center of Abu Dhabi. The event aimed to provide detailed insights regarding the registration process and operational requirements for drones, WAM reported.
The conference featured remarks from Colonel Jamal Al Hosani, director of the Air Support Department at the Ministry of Interior; Eng. Aqeel Al Zarouni, assistant director general of Aviation Safety Affairs at GCAA; and Eng. Hana Mohamed Al Kokhardi, acting director of the UAV Division at the Integrated Transport Center of Abu Dhabi.
Introduction to the UAE Drones Unified Platform
During the event, the GCAA explained that the UAE Drones Unified Platform is an interactive system created to register and regulate drone operations, disseminate information on usage requirements, and ensure adherence to laws and procedures designed to protect individuals and property.
Centralized hub for drone operations
The GCAA emphasized that this platform serves as a centralized hub, streamlining procedures for users by unifying all pertinent authorities in one location. It is a foundational element for the ongoing growth and enhancement of the UAV sector, contributing to the achievement of national strategic objectives aimed at improving quality of life through the responsible and safe use of drone technology, in alignment with the “We are the UAE 2031” vision and the UAE Centennial 2071.
Registration process and requirements
Registration on the platform is facilitated through digital identity verification. Users are required to familiarize themselves with all relevant conditions and follow the prescribed registration steps. They must ensure that their flying locations are authorized and that a remote identification system is operational on their UAV.
Operational guidelines for users
The operational requirements for interested users, as outlined during the press conference, are as follows:
- Submit operational requests via the platform.
- Comply with designated flight areas indicated on the app’s map.
- Maintain an altitude not exceeding 400 feet (120 meters).
- Fly within visual line-of-sight and only during daylight.
- Avoid flying over crowds and respect the privacy of others.
- Operate the UAV in a manner that ensures the safety of individuals and property.
- Keep clear of airports and helicopter landing zones.
- Adhere to the specific rules and instructions for your UAV.
- Prepare your UAV for each flight.
Commitment to safety and compliance
Through this platform, the GCAA, along with its strategic partners, is dedicated to streamlining procedures and organizing operations in accordance with national and international safety regulations.
Moreover, the GCAA reaffirmed its commitment to cultivating a secure and advanced environment for this emerging sector, strongly urging all users to follow the established guidelines to ensure the responsible and optimal use of this modern technology.
Also, users can access the UAE Drones application to review all conditions, registration procedures, and approved flying areas. Furthermore, they can confirm the availability of a remote identification broadcasting system. Any registration inquiries can be sent to drones@gcaa.gov.ae, while questions regarding airspace and its management can be addressed to airspaceapprovals@gcaa.gov.ae.
Future of individual drone use
During the press conference, Colonel Jamal Al Hosani stated that, in collaboration with the GCAA, the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, and other relevant entities, the Ministry has declared that the use of drones by individuals will be allowed starting January 7, 2025, under specific conditions to ensure community safety and protection.
He further noted that this initiative aims to enhance the quality of life and align with the objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. Also, he stressed the necessity for the public to adhere to the guidance and requirements set forth by the relevant authorities to safeguard lives and property and bolster community security.
