Drone Laws in Abu Dhabi

Summary of Drone Laws in Abu Dhabi

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in Abu Dhabi (UAE)

UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)

Contact Information

If you need additional details we have not covered or specific case assistance, you can contact the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) directly at:

• Address: 34 Saif Ghobash St – Al Rawdah – W58 – Abu Dhabi
• Phone: 8004466 or 00971 2 4054535
• Email: drones@gcaa.gov.ae

Please continue reading for more details on Abu Dhabi or UAE Drone Laws.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The UAE Ministry of Interior (MOI) has temporarily suspended all drone operations in the UAE.

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Abu Dhabi

The Emirates agency responsible for drone safety, GCAA, has provided several details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, click on the link above.

Are drones allowed in Abu Dhabi?

According to GCAA, drone use is allowed in Abu Dhabi, subject to GCAA regulations. However, the MOI has temporarily suspended drone operations. Read on for more details.

Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Abu Dhabi:

The UAE provides separate regulations based on types of users defined as:

a) Individual/Private (Recreational)

• This category is for all individual/private users who want to fly UAS/drones in the UAE for leisure (hobby).

b) Organization/Operator (Commercial & Non-Commercial)

• This category is for all organizations/operators who would like to operate UAS/drones in the UAE for commercial purposes or for special operations, e.g., photography, aerial survey, etc.

Specific guidance is provided in each section below.

UAS/Drones Flying Zones

• To learn about allowable flying zones in the UAE airspace, download the Mobile App “My Drone Hub” for Android or iOS phones or download the KMZ file here.

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Abu Dhabi

Requirements for an Individual/Private User (Recreational)

The process is very simple.

1. Application:
   The Applicant shall submit an application through the E-Services system once he purchased UAS/Drone and before operating the product through the GCAA website www.gcaa.gov.ae or the smart mobile application “My Drone Hub”
2. Review: 
   The GCAA will review all documentation for the registration process. The review will include provided information as mandatory requirements and supporting documents (Emirates ID and UAS/Drone specification details and photo).
3. Issue of UAS/Drone Registration Certificate: 
   The GCAA will only issue a UAS/Drone Registration Certificate when the GCAA is satisfied that all the required information and submitted documents are in line with the requirements and are acceptable.
   Once the GCAA approves the request, the applicant will receive an email and a UAS/Drone Registration Certificate.

Service Channels:

• Internet: https://www.gcaa.gov.ae
• Email: drones@gcaa.gov.ae
• Fax: +97142111626
• Postal Address: P.O.Box: 30500 | Dubai
• Mobile Website: https://www.gcaa.gov.ae
• Over the Counter: Dubai

The SERVICE FEE are as follows:

• No Fee

You will need drone photos and a drone training certificate.

• The user and UAS/drone shall be registered with the GCAA before flying;
• All UAS/drones weighing 5kgs or less shall only be allowed to fly in the approved flying zone indicated in my drone hub mobile application (i.e. the green zone);
• Camera usage is only allowed in the flying zones. Drone users must not violate relevant UAE laws while using the camera;
• No UAS/drones shall be equipped with drop or release devices;
• UAS/drones flying range shall be within line-of-sight and not more than 400 feet above ground level;
• UAS/drones shall fly only during day time and in good weather conditions;
• UAS/drones shall be used for fun and not for commercial purposes;
• The user shall be responsible for ensuring the UAS/drone is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and it is inspected before the commencement of flight;
• No user shall fly the UAS/drones near public and/or private property;
• No user shall fly the UAS/drones within 5 km of the UAE airports outer fence, Heliports, Helicopter landing Sites, and airfields or in controlled zones;
• Direct radio control link shall be maintained between the user and the UAS/drones;
• Frequency Band Restrictions (29.7-47.0 MHz max power 10 mW, or 2400-2500 MHz max power 100 mW) shall be maintained;
• UAS/drone users shall take into consideration the effects on radio communication, interference of the frequency used;
• UAS/drones user shall avoid collisions with people, objects, and other manned and unmanned aircraft;
• UAS/drones user shall not harass or endanger people or threaten to damage property;
• UAS/drones owner shall be responsible for informing the GCAA through the GCAA website when he/she intends to resell the UAS/drones;
• All UAS/drones weighing above 5kgs and/or equipped with gas engines shall only operate within the GCAA-approved flying clubs;
• The minimum age to fly UAS/drones weighing more than 25Kgs is 21 years;

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Abu Dhabi

The process is very simple and fast.

Commercial Use Application in Abu Dhabi

1. Application: The Applicant shall submit all documents related to the approval of UAS as stipulated in CAR VIII – Subpart 6 and AMC 41.
2. Review: the GCAA will review the documents submitted and verify if compliance with the CAR is achieved.
3. Issue of an approval: The GCAA will only issue an approval when the GCAA is completely satisfied that all regulatory requirements have been adequately addressed for the post applied for.
4. Delivery of the approval: Collection is at GCAA Abu Dhabi Office.
5. Record: The Applicant will provide all documents required for filing purposes.

Registration:

• To access the eservice, it is required to first login to the GCAA Website.
• If you are a new user (organization or individual) and visiting GCAA website to access an eservice, you must register first by pressing the “Sign Up” link found on the top most bar of GCAA Website.
• Fill the user registration form by providing all the required information and submit.
• After submission you will receive an automated email notification containing your credentials to login on the GCAA Website.
• Once you get the credentials, press the “Login” link found on the top navigation bar of the web page besides “Sign Up” link.Enter the User Name and password which was received from GCAA.
• Press the “LOGIN” button to sign into the GCAA website and navigate to service catalogue page to access the required eservice.

Services Access Channels : 

• Internet: https://www.gcaa.gov.ae
• Email: ana.approval@gcaa.gov.ae
• Fax: +97124054406
• Postal Address: P.O.Box: 6558 | Abu Dhabi
• Mobile Website: https://www.gcaa.gov.ae
• Over the Counter: Abu Dhabi

The SERVICE FEE are as follows:

• No Fee

Registration Requirements for an Organization/Operator (Professional use in the UAE)

Step 1: Register the organization and obtain the Unmanned Aircraft Operator Authorisation (UOA)

All Organizations/Operators who intend to operate UAS/drones in the UAE for professional use or special operations are required to submit the following documents:

• All organizations/operators shall obtain Security clearance issued by GCAA (click to apply)
• All organizations/operators shall fill “UA operator registration letter”, the letter should be printed on company letterhead and submit it to drones@gcaa.gov.ae (Click to Apply) 
• All organizations/operators shall subscribe to GCAA E-Publications service and send the evidence of subscription to drones@gcaa.gov.ae(applicable fee= AED 1,200) (click to apply) 

SLA: Time it takes to obtain Unmanned Aircraft Operator Authorisation (UOA) is three weeks, subject to meeting GCAA requirements.

Note: Obtaining UOA does not authorize the operator to fly the drone. Please follow step 2 to obtain operational approval.

Step 2: Apply for operational permission

• Once UOA is obtained from GCAA, the organization/operator must apply for unmanned aircraft operation permission for each drone flying activity in the red zone. (click to apply)

SLA: 14 working days 

Note: (for further clarification regarding operational approval, please get in touch with the ANA team on Tel: +97124054257 or E-Mail: ana.approval@gcaa.gov.ae)

Examples of Special Operations allowed for this category:

• Areal Work
• Agriculture
• Air Show
• Fire fighting
• Inspection
• Media
• Petroleum
• Protecting Wildlife
• Screening
• Surveillance
• Survey
• Weather forecasting

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Useful published information on flying drones in Abu Dhabi

Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Abu Dhabi…

When in Abu Dhabi, you should find time to explore the rest of the United Arab Emirates. Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in the UAE…

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NOTE: This page is about the Regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model Aircraft, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.

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Traveling with a Drone?

Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.

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