UAE announces phased approach to resuming drone operations

emirates7 - The Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, the General Civil Aviation Authority, and other relevant organizations, has announced a phased plan to lift restrictions on drone activities, effective from November 25, 2024. This initiative is focused on ensuring airspace safety and protecting individuals, society, and property.

The ministry emphasized that all entities planning to operate drones should familiarize themselves with the necessary requirements, which can be accessed through the UAE Drones mobile app or the official website at [drones.gov.ae](https://drones.gov.ae/). The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Abu Dhabi Police College, attended by Colonel Jamal Al Hosani, Director of the Air Support Department at the Ministry of Interior, and Eng. Ammar Al Mazrouei, Director of the First Planning and Standards Department at the General Civil Aviation Authority.

As part of the effort to streamline drone operations, the General Civil Aviation Authority, along with key partners, will launch a unified national platform for drones. This platform will serve as a central hub for registration, regulation, and operational guidelines, providing users with greater convenience by consolidating all procedures under one system.

The platform’s first phase, which will begin on November 25, 2024, will be limited to companies and government agencies. Subsequent phases will include additional services for other users, such as amateur drone operators, with specific timelines to be announced later.

This initiative is designed to foster the development of the drone sector, drive innovation, and stimulate economic growth in industries adopting this technology. It also aligns with the UAE’s national goals, including "We the Emirates 2031" and the UAE Centennial 2071.

To obtain operational licenses, companies, government agencies, and entities engaged in research, testing, or exhibitions can apply through the UAE Drones smart application. Applicants must follow the steps outlined in the app and ensure their drones are equipped with a remote identification broadcast system. For drones lacking this feature, operators can contact Etisalat at UAEDrones@eand.com for a suitable tracking device.

For registration inquiries, users can reach out to drones@gcaa.gov.ae; for airspace permissions, they can email airspaceapprovals@gcaa.gov.ae; for technical support, they can contact UAEDrones@eand.com. General inquiries can be made by calling 02 8140404.

To maintain public safety, any incidents involving drones that cause harm or pose risks must be reported. Users can submit incident reports through the UAE Drones platform by completing the necessary forms and providing required information, which will help enhance safety standards and protect individuals and property.