Drone Activities to Gradually Resume in UAE Starting November 25th

The UAE Ministry of Interior (MoI), in partnership with the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), has announced the phased resumption of drone operations beginning November 25th, 2024. 

Entities, including companies, government institutions, and research bodies, are required to adhere to the new guidelines to ensure safe and efficient integration of drone activities into national operations. 

All drones must now be registered through a newly launched unified national platform, which centralizes registration, operational procedures, and airspace permissions. In its initial phase, the platform will cater to government and corporate entities, with future phases expanding access to amateur operators. Operators are required to ensure their drones are equipped with remote identification broadcast systems, while tracking devices for drones lacking this technology will be available through Etisalat. 

To maintain high safety standards, any drone-related incidents must be promptly reported through the ‘Incident Report’ feature on the UAE Drones platform. The authorities have also emphasized the importance of reviewing all requirements for operational permits via the UAE Drones mobile app or the official website before commencing operations. 

This initiative aims to modernize the integration of drones into the UAE’s airspace while safeguarding security and enhancing accountability.