UAE partially lifts recreational drone ban, Dubai restrictions remain

Drones can now be flown by individuals in six of the seven emirates of the UAE after the ban was partly lifted, the Ministry of Interior has announced

It remains in place in Dubai, however, as the Ministry communication does not cover the emirate which falls under the jurisdiction of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.

In a post on X, the Ministry of Interior wrote, "UAE Lifts Conditional Ban on Drone Use by Individuals The Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, and relevant entities, has announced that the use of drones by individuals will be permitted starting January 7, 2025, under specific conditions to ensure safety and community protection.

"Details and requirements are available through the UAE Drones app and the official website. The Unified National Drone Platform facilitates registration and operations, aiming to enhance quality of life and achieve the "We the UAE 2031" vision."

الإمارات ترفع الحظر المشروط على استخدام الأفراد للطائرات بدون طيار (الدرونز)

أعلنت وزارة الداخلية، بالتنسيق مع الهيئة العامة للطيران المدني والهيئة الوطنية لإدارة الطوارئ والأزمات والكوارث والجهات المعنية، أن استخدام الطائرات بدون طيار (الدرونز) للأفراد بات متاحًا ابتداءً من 7… pic.twitter.com/YnsDc6CORj

— وزارة الداخلية (@moiuae) January 7, 2025

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the ban on individual recreational drone use still remains in place, but said they are reviewing the situation.

It wrote on social media platform X, "To ensure the safety of Dubai’s airspace, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority would like to announce that the use of drones for recreational purposes is under review and remains subject to the applicable laws and regulations in Dubai.

Stay tuned for further updates. Thank you for your cooperation in supporting our shared goal of protecting Dubai airspace."

لضمان سلامة المجال الجوي في دبي، تود هيئة دبي للطيران المدني أن تنوه بأن استخدام الطائرات بدون طيار للأغراض الترفيهية قيد المراجعة، وهي تخضع للقوانين والتشريعات السارية في إمارة دبي.

تابعونا لمزيد من التحديثات. شاكرين لكم تعاونكم في دعم هدفنا المشترك لحماية أجواء إمارة دبي.… pic.twitter.com/8s93MGeXGi

— Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (@DcaaDubai) January 8, 2025

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority announced the launch of the Unified National Platform for Drones to register and regulate drone operations.

In a step towards achieving national strategic goals aimed at enhancing quality of life, #NCEMA announces the unified national platform for drones, with the aim of regulating the use of drones, following the announcement of lifting the conditional ban on their use by individuals. pic.twitter.com/746gwnuqsS

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) January 7, 2025

Full guidelines and requirements are available through the UAE Drones app and the official government website.