By Staff Reporter
UAE Partially Lifts Drone Ban for Individuals starting January 7
Starting Tuesday, January 7, individuals in the UAE are now permitted to use drones as the Ministry of Interior announced a partial lift of the ban.
This move follows the introduction of strict safety regulations aimed at ensuring the safety of both the community and airspace.
In collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Ministry stated that drone usage will be allowed under specific conditions to prevent any safety risks. To regulate operations, the National Authority for Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management (NCEMA) has introduced a unified national platform. This platform will help oversee drone activities, ensuring compliance with the new rules.
Detailed guidelines for drone use are accessible through the UAE Drones app and the government’s official website, drones.gov.ae. The partial lifting of the ban is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to promote technological innovation, aligned with the “We the UAE 2031” vision, which emphasizes progress and quality of life.
The current lifting of the ban marks a milestone in the phased rollout of drone regulations, which began on November 25, 2024. Initially, the first phase allowed only government agencies and companies to operate drones. Future phases will expand to include recreational drone operations for individuals.
This partial lifting follows the Ministry of Interior’s decision in 2022 to ban drone use due to misuse concerns.
News Source: Khaleej Times
