How to register your drone in the UAE: A step-by-step guide
Find out the requirements, cost, documents, and registration process to fly a drone
Dubai: If you like to fly drones to capture stunning photos and videos or simply enjoy the thrill of piloting them, the UAE has officially lifted the conditional ban on drone use for individuals, allowing enthusiasts to take to the skies under specific regulations.
As of January 7, the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), and other relevant entities, announced that individuals can operate drones as long as they comply with the outlined safety and regulatory requirements
How to register to fly a drone in the UAE
Before flying, drone users must register and create an account on the new ‘UAE Drones’ app - available for Apple and Android devices or via the official website, drones.gov.ae. This Unified National Drone Platform streamlines the registration and operational process for drone operators in the UAE.
Step 1: Registration requirements
To register, you will need to meet these requirements:
Be at least 16 years old.
Hold a drone training certificate from an accredited training center.
Comply with General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) regulations.
Ensure your drone weighs no more than 5 kg.
Step 2: Required documents
You will need the following:
Passport page
UAE residence visa
Applicant photograph
Emirates ID
Pilot training certificate
Registration process
Visit the ‘UAE Drones’ app or website, log in with your UAE Pass, and create an account. Choose the account type as ‘Recreational.’
Enter your details: Select your country of residence and provide your full name, date of birth, place of birth, and gender (most personal details are pre-filled if you use UAE Pass).
Add your passport details (number, issue date, expiry) and Emirates ID information.
Provide your email address and mobile number.
Agree to the terms and conditions and click continue. Upon completing the registration, you will be auto-logged into the website or app. Then you must register at least one drone for your profile to be approved.
Once your profile is approved, you’ll receive an email to pay a registration fee of Dh100.
Registering your drone
Once your account is approved, you must register your drone. Follow these steps:
Go to the ‘My Drones’ section in the app or website.
Provide the following details:
Manufacturer, type, and model
Commission date
Serial number and drone name
Drone weight
Upload supporting documents, such as the drone image and serial number letter.
Click ‘Add’ to complete the process. You will receive a confirmation notification that your drone has been successfully registered.
Using the UAE Drones app
The ‘UAE Drones’ app is more than just a registration tool, it’s your go-to resource for drone operations. Here’s what you can do:
Request flights: Submit and manage flight requests directly through the app.
Weather updates: Get real-time weather details like temperature, wind, and pressure to plan safe flights.
Track requests: Access statistics on flight requests, including approvals, completions, and rejections.
Manage your drones: View all drones registered under your account.
Recreational drone use remains prohibited in Dubai and is still "under review," according to a recent announcement by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. This update from the emirate's aviation authority comes in the wake of a federal decision lifting a conditional ban on individual drone usage.
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