Up to 5 years jail, Dhs100,000 fine for violating drone flying ban in UAE

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE Public Prosecution (PP) explained on Wednesday , through posts on its social media accounts, the penalties for flying a drone in violation of the ban issued by competent authorities.

According to Article 176 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 on the Promulgation of Crimes and Punishment Code, "whoever flies over areas of the UAE's territory in violation of the ban issued by competent authorities, and flying a drone falls under this ban" shall beU punished by imprisonment for a period of no less than six months and not exceeding five years and a fine of no less than Dhs100,000, or either of these two penalties.

The attempt to do so shall also be punished by imprisonment or fine.

Earlier, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) has temporarily stopped all flying operations for owners, practitioners and enthusiasts of drones, including drones and light sports aircraft.

This encompasses also air and sail spots. This was put in place in coordination with the General Authority for Civil Aviation and in line with the relative guidelines.

The decision came after the misuse spotted recently, not limiting the practice of these sports to the areas identified in the user permits and trespassing into areas where these types of activities are prohibited.

The MOI asked individuals and the community to respect the authority’s directives namely issued by the MOI, and the General Authority for Civil Aviation, in order to ensure the safety of lives and property, preserving them from unsafe bad practices. Hence, air activities will be suspended as of Saturday (Jan.22, 2022).