Want to fly a drone in the UAE? Here's all you need to know
Drone flying is regulated strictly, with operators required to get licences
Dubai: Whether you want to fly a drone as a photography enthusiast, or to create a video for a company event, drones are regulated strictly by the UAE’s authorities.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) regulates all drone-related activities and applies regulations on flying drones and practising recreational aerial sports and activities.
These regulations are implemented to ensure safety and privacy of individuals, as well as ensuring drone activity does not hinder air traffic. So, if you are interested in getting yourself a drone, read on to find out all that you need to know.
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Where can I get a drone?
You can visit most electronic gadget stores and find drones being promoted right at the front of the store. While some shops might sell them off as toys, the GCAA is strictly cracking down on the grey market, making sure that drones are sold and bought within the regulations and parameters set by the civil aviation authorities.
While regulations can vary from emirate to emirate, you are required to register your drone while you purchase it and are required to have a drone operating licence from the GCAA before you can fly the device.
How do I register and get a licence?
All drones need to be registered with GCAA. Individuals and organisations can apply online.
For registration and requirements, contact the GCAA Aircraft Registry Unit by email at drones@gcaa.gov.ae or by telephone at +9714-2111710 and +9714-2111526.
After buying a drone, purchasers will receive a leaflet on how to register, or they can visit www.dcaa.gov.ae and click on drone registration to apply.
After registering, owners must take an approved operator course. In Dubai, it is provided by the Sanad Academy, which is approved by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA). The academy is a training ground for both hobbyists and professional drone operators. Those looking to get a licence from DCAA to fly drones have to undergo a mandatory certification course from Sanad Academy.
Submit training certificate showing course completion to DCAA.
Submit the coded number for the drone for identification by DCAA.
Once approved, the operator card will be issued to you.
Fees
To register a drone for personal, non-commercial purposes – Dh100.
Annual renewal – Dh100
Dh350 for a basic licence. This is the Sanad Remotely Piloted Aircraft Syestem Basic certification, which is designed for hobbyists piloting light aircrafts below four kilograms.
Dh750 for professionals piloting aircrafts below 12kg.
Dh4,700 for certificates for commercial drones (15kg).
The Sanad Academy is located in the Al Lisali area, off of Dubai-Al Ain road (E66).
Candidates are provided with a theory handbook prior to the assessments and need to score a minimum 85 per cent.
The assessment includes questions focused around basic aircraft knowledge, safety procedures and civil aviation rules/regulations.
Once the applicants pass the exam they go to DCAA to get their licence.
The process takes between seven and 10 days.
Where can I fly drones?
GCAA and DCAA forbid flying drones near, around and over airports. This is because drone activity can disrupt flight movement, as it has in the past.
A new Dubai Civil Aviation Authority system now provides red alerts for drone intrusions at Dubai airport.
In addition, federal and municipal authorities disallow flying drones over residential areas to protect people's privacy.
To know exactly which areas are no-fly zones and where drone activity is restricted, you can use the UAE Drone Fly Zone Map app from GCAA here.
No-fly zones can also be extended at certain times and during certain events. During the Dubai Airshow, for example, authorities extend the no-fly zone around the Dubai World Central airport. Announcements are made through newspapers as well as on DCAA and GCAA’s social media accounts, so stay updated if you wish to operate a drone.
General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) developed an all-in-one app for the users of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and drones in the UAE in order to inform and assist them about using their drones in compliance with the aviation safety regulations.
Emirates ID holders who are registered with GCAA can shoot videos and take photographs using drones in locations permitted and at heights specified by the local authorities. The app facilitates the immediate identification of areas where photography is permitted.
The fine for not heeding warning to avoid unauthorised areas is Dh2,000 to Dh20,000, depending on the nature of violation. More serious safety or security violations can lead to prosecution.
There are certain free fly zones, where people can fly drones up to a height of 400 feet. The app helps locate all information to users through an interactive map. Users can click anywhere in the map to check the privileges of that area. Download the My Drone Hub app for Android and iTunes.
Violations you must know about
The fine for not heeding warning to avoid unauthorised areas is Dh2,000 to Dh20,000, depending on the nature of violation. More serious safety or security violations can lead to prosecution.