Dubai: Federal regulations for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, will be released next month, according to Dubai’s aviation regulator.
Khalid Al Arif, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority’s (DCAA) director of standards and regulations, told reporters in Dubai on Monday the regulation has been “completed” by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and accepted by the emirates.
He added that the regulation, which will cover how high the drones are allowed to fly and the permission required from local authorities to use drones, is expected to be published next month. The regulation will also cover safety requirements for commercial operators, Al Arif said.
The federal regulation of drones comes after airspace over Dubai International was temporarily closed in January due to a recreational drone encroaching on the airport’s airspace. The airspace was closed over safety and security concerns.
MohammAd Lengawi, DCAA’s Director of Aviation Security and Accident Investigation Department, said that those who were flying the drone near the airport have not been identified.
The new regulation of drones in the UAE will be published online, including on the DCAA website, Al Arif said.