The UAE Ministry of Interior (MoI), the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) have announced a phased plan to resume drone operations in the country beginning November 25, 2024 — ending a ban on unmanned aerial systems that had been in place since January 2022.
New Framework for Unmanned Aerial System Operations
Officials outlined the new regulatory framework at a press conference held at Abu Dhabi Police College. Colonel Jamal Al Hosani, Director of the Air Support Department, stressed the importance of following the updated standards to maintain safety and compliance. Engineer Ammar Al Mazrouei from the GCAA echoed those remarks, presenting the civil aviation authority's role in overseeing the phased rollout.
Operators seeking permits should consult the UAE Drones mobile app or the official GCAA website. The platform is launching first for commercial and government users, with hobbyist and recreational access to follow in subsequent phases.
Critical Requirements for Drone Operators
All drone operators must meet the following requirements before flying:
- Remote identification: Every drone must be equipped with a remote identification broadcast system. - Tracking devices: Drones that lack built-in remote ID can be fitted with tracking devices available through Etisalat (e& — contact: UAEDrones@eand.com). - Operational permits: Companies, government institutions, and research centres must apply through the UAE Drones application. - Incident reporting: Any drone-related incident must be reported through the platform's dedicated "Incident Report" section.
Supporting National Goals
The phased resumption of UAE drone operations aligns with the country's "We the Emirates 2031" vision and the long-term Centennial 2071 national agenda. Authorities say the move demonstrates the UAE's commitment to adopting artificial intelligence and advanced technologies responsibly, while preserving the safety and security of its airspace.
Assistance and Contact Details
- Registration: drones@gcaa.gov.ae - Airspace Permissions: airspaceapprovals@gcaa.gov.ae - Technical Support (Etisalat/e&): UAEDrones@eand.com - General Enquiries: 02 8140404
Pioneering Responsible Drone Integration
This initiative reflects the UAE's reputation as a regional leader in technology adoption. By restarting commercial and government operations first, authorities aim to validate the new regulatory framework before extending permits to individual users. The result is a more robust, data-driven approach to airspace management — one that balances innovation with public safety.
