H.H. Sheikh Mohammed paves way for 'drone airports' in Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, has paved the way for the establishment of "drone airports" in Dubai, through an update of existing laws covering drone use in the Emirate.

Amendments include the criteria for the design and operation of such hubs, while mandating the development of necessary infrastructure and provision of fuel and power supplies for them, and also enhancing safety standards.

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) will be responsible for overseeing the development of the airports.

This will include establishing and endorsing the standards and requirements necessary for drone airports, approving engineering designs for both government and non-governmental use, as well as overseeing the implementation of the designs and plans for stations, facilities, and infrastructure.
 
The DCAA is also mandated to issue completion certificates, as long as the designs and plans comply with the Emirate’s adopted urban planning requirements and traffic and transportation control procedures and is also responsible for setting the standards and criteria for pre-qualifying and certifying contractors and consultants involved in construction.
 
The Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), in partnership with the DCAA and other relevant authorities, is responsible for a range of tasks within the boundaries of the Dubai Aviation City, as defined by Law No. (10) of 2015. These responsibilities include designing drone airports, stations, and infrastructure for government use, as well as overseeing their implementation in compliance with international standards.

According to the amended law, the DAEP is also tasked with approving engineering designs of drone airports for non-government use; prescribing the standards and criteria for the pre-qualification and certification of contractors and consultants engaged in the construction of drone airports and their associated stations, facilities, and infrastructure, among others.

The new law prohibits any individual from constructing infrastructure related to the operation of drones or drone airports, or supplying fuel for drones without obtaining a licence from the DCAA. The licence will be issued in coordination with relevant entities and in accordance with the conditions and regulations adopted by the authority in this regard.

Any provisions in other legislations that may conflict with the new law will be considered null and void. The new law will come into effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

.@HHShkMohd issues law amending certain articles of the law regulating drone activity in #Dubai with the aim of enhancing safety standards.
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— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 18, 2023