Sharjah approves draft law regulating drone use across the emirate

Sharjah: The Sharjah Consultative Council has approved a draft law regulating the use of drones across the emirate after introducing a series of amendments during its 16th session held at the council’s headquarters in Sharjah.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework governing the operation and use of drones of all categories and for various purposes, while enhancing air navigation safety, strengthening oversight and keeping pace with rapid technological developments.

The session, held as part of the council’s third ordinary session of the eleventh legislative term, was chaired by Halima Hamid Al Owais, Chairperson of the council.

Among those attending were Sheikh Khalid bin Essam bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Executive Council of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Civil Aviation Department, Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Thani, Director of the department, alongside representatives from the Legal Department of the Government of Sharjah.

Opening the discussion, Meera Khalifa Al Muqarrab, Secretary-General of the council, said the draft law had been referred to the council by the General Secretariat of the Executive Council on April 13, 2026.

She explained that in accordance with Article 71 of the council’s internal regulations, the council had approved during its thirteenth session on April 2, 2026, the referral of the draft legislation to the Public Utilities Affairs Committee for detailed study and preparation of a report before it was returned for debate.

Sheikh Khalid bin Essam bin Saqr Al Qasimi described the proposed legislation as one of the emirate’s important regulatory projects, noting that it covers all categories of drones and various forms of usage.

He also highlighted the broader vision behind the law, explaining that the legislation was prepared to address the growing use of drones and provide a modern regulatory framework aligned with Sharjah’s development plans and legal requirements.

The council subsequently approved discussion of the law in principle under Article 74 of the internal regulations before proceeding to review the draft article by article.

Halima Al Owais said the council would examine each provision individually, taking into account amendments proposed by the Public Utilities Affairs Committee as well as the original text submitted by the Executive Council.

Ahmed Obaid Al Awasiyah Al Zaabi, rapporteur of the Public Utilities Affairs Committee, then presented the draft law, outlining its definitions, objectives, competencies and legal provisions.

Council members held extensive discussions on the draft legislation, focusing on the need for clear regulations governing the rapidly expanding drone sector and ensuring that regulatory controls evolve alongside technological advancements.

Members stressed the importance of balancing the benefits of drone technology with the highest standards of safety and security, particularly in protecting air navigation and regulating operational activities in line with national legislation and international standards.

The discussions also addressed the distribution of responsibilities among relevant authorities, including the central role of the Sharjah Civil Aviation Department in regulating operations and overseeing the technical aspects of drone activities.

The council additionally reviewed the role of the General Command of Sharjah Police in enforcing the law and addressing violations and crimes linked to drone use, with members saying the measures would strengthen institutional coordination and support effective implementation of the legislation.

Members also discussed provisions governing drone registration procedures, classification into categories according to their use, and regulations related to operational control systems.

The draft law further outlines rules governing the use of helicopter landing pads, designated flying zones, altitude limits, airspace controls, operational requirements and the legal obligations imposed on drone users.

Government representatives responded to members’ questions by clarifying the legal interpretation of the draft provisions and explaining how the legislation would be implemented in practice.