Dubai announces new drone regulations

The Dubai authorities have issued a new law regulating drone activity in the emirate.

The law aims to reduce risks associated with drone activity and specifies the duties and responsibilities of relevant authorities. The new law also seeks to help Dubai promote itself as a hub for drone manufacturing, smart transportation and innovation in the sector and enable public and private entities to use drones and provide drone-related services.

All types of drone activity in the city and its free zones are covered by the law except drones used for military purposes.

The law tasks Dubai Police with managing all the security aspects of drone activity and coordinating with the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority to put in place security measures to prevent the illegal use of drones and crimes committed by using drones, as well as measures to deal with the loss of control of drones, especially when they are flying outside their designated areas and not complying with regulations.