Must-Known Drone Laws in Dubai (Updated 2024)

Sarhan Basem

Dubai, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) Dubai is one of the richest and most attractive cities in the world. There are plenty of places where you can capture amazing photos. The city offers breathtaking and visually appealing views. It will make you wonder Can you fly a drone in Dubaiā€™? The answer to this question is that you can fly a drone in Dubai if you are UAE national or EID holder.

Drone Rules To Follow In Dubai

Dubai is an emirate in UAE and boasts impressive buildings and scenic views. Drone flyers are always in search of capturing the visually appealing and diverse views of this city. However, you will have to follow certain rules for flying a drone. Anyone who wishes to fly a drone in Dubai must follow the rules established by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA). Here are some of the rules mentioned below:

  • The drone flyer must register for an operator training certificate program. This is endorsed by the DCAA and you will get RPAS certification.
  • You can register your drone with relevant documents. That is your company name, address, trade, and commercial license. It is necessary to put in your details of RPAS along with your Emirates ID.
  • If you are a foreigner, you must show a passport copy with a visa page. You can also complete your registration by giving all the details to the authorities
  • Obtaining a no-objection certificate is another requirement
  • Avoid flying near the crowded and other residential areas
  • If you harass people or damage their property, it can be an offensive crime
  • You are not allowed to fly a drone near the airport
  • There are a lot of restrictions while flying a drone. You are not allowed to fly in a no-fly zone area
  • Drone flyers must keep a direct line of sight
  • You cannot fly a drone above 120 meters that may damage property or injure a person
  • It is not allowed to fly a drone at night or in bad weather conditions

Apart from these rules mentioned above, you are not allowed to fly near airports, police stations, and prisons. The drone flyers are not allowed to fly near military bases and other sensitive areas. If you donā€™t follow these rules it can lead you to prison and other criminal offenses. Moreover, you must have drone insurance to cover the loss of a damaged drone.

Read More: How Fast Military Drones Can Fly in Air?

Where You Can Fly Your Drone In Dubai?

The places where you can fly a drone are very limited. There are many areas where a drone is not allowed for a lot of reasons. Dubai is very strict when it comes to flying a drone. It is best to download the ā€˜My Drone Hub appā€™ and get relevant information regarding drones. These rules are created by the Aviation authority. You can check where you can fly the drone before doing anything.

How To Get Your Drone Into Dubai?

Unfortunately, the rules for flying a drone in UAE are not very clear. You may get into endless possibilities for bringing a drone within Dubai. The Governments in UAE are broken and you cannot be sure which rules Dubai will follow. If you are a tourist you will need to register your drone first. UAE nationals and other residents are allowed to fly a drone without any difficulty. It is tempting to take breathtaking photos but you need permission before flying your drone.

If you are a stopover in Dubai, it is easy to keep a drone in your checked luggage. However, you cannot bring and use it over there. Make sure that you are aware of your airlineā€™s policies around traveling with drone batteries. However, some of them are strict when it comes to carrying these products. When you are not a UAE resident, there are still chances that you are granted permission. As a tourist, you will not be allowed to fly a drone though.

Is There A License Required For Drone Flights In Dubai?

There are strict laws associated with rules for flying in Dubai. You also need to have a license before you fly it in the city. The drone flyer must have a no-objection certificate. It is easy to apply for this certificate through the DCAA website. However, it is valid only for one year.

When the drone flyer has GCAA and DCAA registration along with a pilot permit and no objection certificate, everything is set. You also need to understand the rules on where and where not to fly drones.

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Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
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Sarhan Basem is Brussels Morning's Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful commentary and in-depth coverage. Beyond the world of journalism, Sarhan is an avid traveler, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or indulging in outdoor adventures whenever possible.