UAE extends decision to ban drones, light sports aircraft

The Ministry of Interior announced an extension of its decision to ban drones and light sports aircraft covering owners, practitioners and enthusiasts until further notice, in coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

The ministry stressed the importance of community members’ adherence to relevant instructions to protecting lives and properties from unsafe practices and noted that authorities and companies who have signed work contracts or commercial projects that rely on the use of drones should contact the GCAA to obtain the necessary approvals and exemptions to avoid any consequences that affect the timing of these projects.

It also stated that anyone who operates or practises any of the aforementioned activities and disregards related regulations will be subject to legal action, in line with Article 176 of Federal Decree Law No. 31 for 2021, which stipulates potential punishments of imprisonment for a period of six months to five years and a fine of at least Dhs100,000.