The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced on Tuesday that all drone registration certificates that were issued before January 6, 2025, will be invalid. The authority urged drone users to submit a new application through the UAE Drones app.
The GCAA added that the drones must be equipped with a remote identification system and the app must be used during operation. Users in the UAE must also obtain a training certificate from any center that is accredited by the authority.
In addition, users must request a product status statement from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and adhere to all conditions outlined in the UAE Drones app.
Drones ban lifted partially
On January 7, the Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the GCAA, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, and relevant entities, announced that the use of drones by individuals will be permitted starting January 7, 2025, under specific conditions to ensure safety and community protection.
The ban, which was implemented in 2022, has been gradually eased since November 2023. Only citizens and residents of the UAE will be permitted to operate drones in the country once they secure official permits. Meanwhile, visitors and tourists will be included in later stages.
Notably, the eased restrictions do not cover Dubai. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority said that the use of drones for recreational purposes will remain suspended in the city for now.
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23,960 registered drones in UAE
Last week, the GCAA revealed that the total number of drones registered in the UAE is 23,960, noting that since the personal drone ban has been lifted by UAE authorities, a total of 93 companies have been registered and 270 individual applications have been received to date via the UAE Drones Unified Platform.
According to the GCAA, other operational requirements include:
- Submitting the operation request through the platform.
- Adhering to the designated areas in the flight map on the app.
- Flying at an altitude not exceeding 400 feet (120 meters).
- Flying within visual line-of-sight and during daylight hours.
- Avoiding flying over gatherings and respect others’ privacy.
- Operating the drone in a manner that does not pose a danger to the safety of individuals and property.
- Staying clear of airports and helicopter landing pads.
- Following the rules and instructions guide for each drone.
- Preparing the drone for each flight.
