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UAE Lifts Drone Ban: Here’s How to Get Your Licence and Fly Legally

ByEditorial Team
3 min read
A drone hovers over a city skyline at sunset, with skyscrapers in the background and a prominent tower in the distance.
Drone. UAE. 2025 3

Drone enthusiasts in the UAE have a reason to celebrate! As of 7 January 2025, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) lifted the conditional ban on individual drone use. However, flying a drone in the UAE comes with specific regulations and requirements to ensure safety and compliance. Here’s everything you need to know about obtaining…

Drone enthusiasts in the UAE have a reason to celebrate! As of 7 January 2025, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) lifted the conditional ban on individual drone use. However, flying a drone in the UAE comes with specific regulations and requirements to ensure safety and compliance. Here’s everything you need to know about obtaining your drone licence and flying legally. The UAE Lifts Drone Ban to great applause.

A drone with four propellers flying against a bright sky with the sun shining through its frame.
UAE Lifts Drone Ban

Step 1: Register on the UAE Drone Platform

To begin your drone journey in the newly liberalized airspace after the UAE lifts its drone ban, you must create an account on the UAE Drone app (available for Apple and Android) or visit drones.gov.ae. This Unified National Drone Platform simplifies the registration process for drone operators.

If you had a drone registration certificate before 6 January 2025, it is now invalid. You’ll need to reapply on the updated platform.

A group of people outdoors, some operating small drones on the ground, with a banner and buildings in the background under a clear sky.
The UAE now has official onboarding for training

Step 2: Obtain a Drone Training Certificate

A GCAA-accredited drone training certificate is mandatory to register as a drone operator. Training is offered at these accredited centres:

  1. Versa Aerospace
  2. Melaaha Drones
    • Location: Fujairah, Alhail Industrial Area
    • Contact: 050 551 3035 | info@melaaha.ae
  3. Emirates Falcon Aeroclub
A person stands in front of a screen, demonstrating the basics of drone flight to two seated individuals. The screen displays a diagram related to drone aerodynamics.
Training can now be done in multiple locations

Step 3: Register as a Drone Operator

After completing your training, register as an operator via the UAE Drone app or website. To qualify after the UAE lifts the drone ban, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Hold a valid drone training certificate.
  • Ensure your drone weighs no more than 5 kg.
  • Comply with all GCAA regulations.
Three men standing on a fenced-off grass field, operating and observing a hovering drone; one man is in a white traditional robe, another in uniform, and a third in casual attire.
UAE Lifts Drone Ban

Costs Involved

Registration fees include:

  • Operator registration fee: AED 100 (one-time).
  • Drone registration fee: AED 200 for recreational use (renewable every two years).

Step 4: Submit Flight Requests

Before flying, you must submit a flight request via the app for GCAA approval. The UAE lifts drone ban, so provide details such as:

  • Drone model and weight.
  • Flight location, date, and time.
  • Compliance with designated flight zones.
A person operating a drone controller with a drone flying in the background against a clear sky.
Once flight requests are submitted, fly/no-fly areas are designated.

Drone Flying Restrictions

To ensure safety, the following restrictions apply:

  • No flying near public or private property.
  • Maintain a distance of at least 5 km from airports and controlled zones.
  • Do not fly above 400 feet (120 metres) or outside the line of sight.
  • Fly only during daylight hours.
Aerial view of Dubai's skyline dominated by the Burj Khalifa, surrounded by other skyscrapers and urban development under a clear blue sky.
Drone shots can be beautiful, when carried out by trained professionals.

Drone Use in Dubai

While the UAE has lifted the federal drone ban, Dubai recreational drone use is still under review, according to the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. So until Dubai finally follows where the UAE lifts the drone ban, keep an eye on updates.

A person operating a drone with a remote control on a beach at sunset, with the sun reflecting on the water.
Check with the authorities for up-to-date information.

Stay Safe and Compliant

By following these steps after the UAE lifts the drone ban, you can enjoy flying your drone legally in the UAE. Stay updated with GCAA regulations and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

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