The UAE Ministry of Interior has announced that the drone operations ban will be partially lifted starting November 25, following a phased approach to ensure safety in the airspace.
The announcement was made on Saturday during a press conference at Abu Dhabi Police College, held in collaboration with the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and the General Civil Aviation Authority.
As part of this plan, a unified platform for drone operations will be introduced to simplify registration and operations for companies and government entities. This initiative aims to strengthen the country’s drone sector and align with national strategic objectives.
The first phase of the platform will focus on serving companies and government organizations. Additional phases, set to roll out later, will expand services to include drone operations for amateur individuals, with details to be announced at a later date.
Colonel Jamal Al Hosani, Director of the Air Support Department at the General Department of Security Support at the Ministry of Interior, said: “After a detailed evaluation during the first phase, there are plans to extend the ban lift to include individual usage as well.”
The ban, which was implemented in 2022, restricted the use of drones and light sports aircraft for hobbyists, owners, and practitioners due to cases of misuse. According to an official, the decision to gradually lift the ban followed a thorough evaluation, which showed that operators had demonstrated a strong commitment to adhering to safety protocols.
For companies, government institutions, and research centers looking to secure a drone operating license, applications can be submitted through the UAE Drones smart app. This will ensure compliance with regulations and help operators obtain the required permits, as stated by the General Civil Aviation Authority.
