GCAA sees spike in drone use registrations after lifting ban, flags fines up to Dh2m for violations
New unified drone platform launched to ensure airspace safety
Dubai: The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) saw nearly 100 new companies register to use drones, the UAE’s national aviation authority said when officially launching the unified national drone platform on Thursday, with 300 new applications from recreational drone users across the country.
The launch of the platform, UAE Drones, comes after UAE conditionally lifted the ban on individual drone use on January 7, and commercial use in November last year. However, GCAA officials reiterated that the eased restriction doesn't cover Dubai. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority also clarified that drones for recreational purposes remain suspended in the city ‘until further notice’.
“Since the opening of the new platform, we have had 93 new companies register to use drones. Some are from the previous 270, and some are new,” said Ahmed Al Shehhi, Senior Manager of Airspace at the GCAA, while adding that in the two days since opening the app up to individual drone users, GCAA received registration applications from 300 recreational users as well.
The use of drones is currently limited to UAE residents with a valid UAE Pass account. Commenting on if tourists would eventually allowed to use drones, Al Shehhi added, “At this stage, the platform is set up in a way that is for UAE residents only. However, in the future, the platform may adapt to accommodate tourists and their requirements.”
270 registered commercial drone operators
According to Al Shehhi, there were more than 270 registered commercial drone operators in the UAE before the blanket ban on drone use was placed on commercial and recreational users in 2022, days after Houthi fighters launched drone strikes on the UAE that caused explosions and a deadly fire outside the capital, Abu Dhabi. The GCAA also revealed that the total number of drones registered in the UAE is 23,000.
Aqeel Al Zarooni, Assistant Director General Aviation Safety Affairs Sector and Senior Director of Policies, Regulations and Planning at GCAA, said that the commercial drone operators, including drones used for deliveries, agriculture, and pipeline inspections, have stricter regulations due to the higher operational risks.
Violations and penalties
Several penalties are in place for violating the UAE’s stringent drone rules. Some violations result in imprisonment of six months to five years.
Here is a list of violations and their penalties:
Fines of 50,000 to Dh 500,000 apply to individuals who:
Operate or test drones without registering them with the GCAA or relevant authority or after deregistration.
Fly drones without a permit or in a way that endangers lives or property.
Operate drones, related systems, or infrastructure without obtaining a safety certificate.
Make major modifications to drones without GCAA or authority approval.
Use drones to invade someone’s privacy or family life.
Fines of Dh100,000 to Dh2 million apply to individuals who:
These apply to anyone who, without a license or permit from the GCAA or relevant authority:
Designs, manufactures, assembles, modifies, tests, or maintains drones and their systems.
Trades drones (importing, exporting, selling, renting, or owning).
Build or modify infrastructure or airports for drones.
Supplies drones with fuel or energy
Fines of Dh100,000 to Dh2 million apply to individuals who:
These apply to anyone who, without a license or permit from the GCAA or relevant authority:
Designs, manufactures, assembles, modifies, tests, or maintains drones and their systems.
Trades drones (importing, exporting, selling, renting, or owning).
Build or modify infrastructure or airports for drones.
Supplies drones with fuel or energy.
Imprisonment (6 months to 5 years) and/or Fines (Dh50,000 to Dh1 million) apply to individuals who:
Use drones in a way that endangers airspace or air navigation.
Operate drones in restricted or prohibited areas without permission.
Unlawfully seize drones.
Hack drones to commit a crime.
Install dangerous or prohibited devices on drones.
Use drones to illegally gather information, data, or photographs in restricted areas without approval.
Hide drone-related violations, accidents, or incidents threatening airspace safety.
What must drone users keep in mind?
According to AlShehhi, the unified national drone platform—UAE Drones—streamlines the registration and operational process for drone operators in the UAE.
This platform aims to reduce the time required for approvals, particularly for commercial users. “The time required also depends on a case-to-case basis,” said Al Shehhi.
However, drone users must meet specific requirements:
They must obtain a training certificate from a GCAA-accredited centre, said Al Zarooni.
Recreational drone users must also adhere to operational requirements when submitting flight requests, including avoiding restricted areas and follow all procedures outlined in the platform.
The maximum flight altitude is 400 feet (120 meters) above ground level
Drone operations must remain within the visual line of sight and are restricted to daytime use only.
Drone users are prohibited from flying over populated areas or in ways that pose potential risks to public safety or infrastructure.
Stay clear of airports and helicopter landing pads
Features of the UAE Drones app
The platform features a live feed for drone activity and a chat function that allows operators to communicate with system administrators.
Users receive notifications via the platform about approvals, updates to operational areas, or newly designated green zones. These zones are dynamic and may change due to events, gatherings, or other factors. For example, an area classified as a green zone today may become restricted tomorrow if an event occurs nearby. This dynamic nature ensures situational awareness for all drone operators.
The fly zones currently available are as shown on the platform's map. These zones are dynamically updated based on changes in infrastructure or events. For example, a location that was clear two years ago may now have a construction site, requiring adjustments to the operational zones.
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