The United Arab Emirates has amended the rules for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles.
UAE owners in the United Arab Emirates can now use their devices to take photos and videos in areas permitted for flights, authorities said Sunday, June 16, 2019. The new rules were prepared by the UAE General Directorate of Civil Aviation (GCAA) in coordination with the Ministry of the Interior.
UAE residents were previously allowed to use drones after obtaining permission from the GCAA, but were not allowed to shoot. Only registered legal entities had the right to do so.
“From today, private individuals are allowed to use their drones for photo and video shooting in flight-approved areas,” said GCAA Director General Saif Mohammed al-Suwaydi at a news conference on Sunday.
Al-Suwaydi also called on drone owners to go through the GCAA registration process and obtain licenses that allow them to use the devices fully and in accordance with all rules.
Ahmed Nasser al-Rissi, Inspector General of the Ministry of the Interior, recalled that it is still forbidden to raise the drone to a height of more than 400 feet (122 meters) above ground level.
In addition, drones weighing no more than 5 kg can fly in permitted areas. It is also forbidden to use drones near and especially over the country's airports. You can launch the drone only in the daytime and in good weather. It is important to observe the flight range within line of sight.
Al-Rissi also announced an information campaign on various platforms, including social networks and seminars, to educate residents about the rules governing the use of unmanned aerial vehicles.
