ABU DHABI: The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced that 23,960 drones have been registered nationwide following the lifting of the personal drone ban. This includes 93 companies and 270 individuals registered via the UAE Drones Unified Platform, a hub for drone regulation and operations.
During a press conference, officials highlighted the platform’s role in simplifying drone registration and ensuring compliance with safety laws. Key speakers included Colonel Jamal Al Hosani from the Ministry of Interior, Eng. Aqeel Al Zarouni of GCAA, and Eng. Hana Mohamed Al Kokhardi from the Integrated Transport Centre.
The platform centralises processes, making drone registration seamless by integrating all relevant authorities. It aims to support the UAE’s strategic goals, including the “We Are the UAE 2031” vision, by promoting safe and responsible drone use.
Drone operators must follow operational guidelines, including: flying below 400 feet, avoiding crowded areas, maintaining a visual line-of-sight, and ensuring flights occur in permitted zones. Registration requires users to meet conditions like ensuring remote identification systems are available on their UAVs.
Colonel Al Hosani revealed that personal drone use became permissible as of January 7, 2025, under strict safety conditions. This step supports the UAE’s efforts to enhance the quality of life and achieve national goals.
The GCAA emphasised its commitment to fostering a secure, innovative drone environment. Users can find comprehensive guidelines on the UAE Drones app and direct queries about registration to [email protected].