UAE lifts partial ban on individual drone use starting January 7

Detailed guidelines and requirements can be accessed through the UAE Drones app and the official government website drones.gov.ae

Published: Tue 7 Jan 2025, 9:16 PM

Updated: Wed 8 Jan 2025, 12:54 AM

By
Web Desk

Individuals in the UAE are now allowed to use drones starting Tuesday, January 7, as the Ministry of Interior announced the partial lift of the ban.

The authority, along with General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), noted that the use of drones will be subject to specific safety conditions aimed at protecting both the community and the airspace.

In addition, the National Authority for Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management (NCEMA) introduced a unified national platform to regulate drone operations. This platform will help oversee the use of drones, following the conditional lifting of the ban for individuals.

Detailed guidelines and requirements for drone use are available through the UAE Drones app and the official government website drones.gov.ae.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

This initiative is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to enhance quality of life and align with the nation’s "We the UAE 2031" vision, focusing on innovation and technological advancement.

The partial lifting of ban of drone use for individuals is a step in the phased rollout that began on November 25, 2024.

The launch of the first phase was limited to serving companies and government agencies only. It was noted that future phases will be launched later to include other services for drones, such as flying operations for amateur individuals.

In 2022, the Ministry of Interior banned the use of drones and light sports aircraft for “owners, practitioners and enthusiasts” after instances of misuse.

ALSO READ: