How to get a drone licence in Dubai?
- Drone Registration in the UAE
- Private Drone Licence
- Commercial Drone Licence
- Drone Licence in Dubai
- Rules and Regulations
- FAQs
Drones in Dubai are widely utilised for both commercial and personal use by photographers, videographers and other creative professionals. To ensure that drone usage in the UAE is carried out safely, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has defined a set of rules and regulations for drone owners in the UAE. To conduct activities with a drone in Dubai, you also need an RPAS registration card issued by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA). Here are all the details about the RPAS registration process.
HOW TO REGISTER A DRONE IN THE UAE?
Wonder if you can legally fly a drone in Dubai? The simple answer is yes. You can fly a drone in Dubai with a valid drone licence. Drones are available across the UAE in various electronics stores and online shops. To register a drone in the UAE, you have to visit the official website of the General Civil Aviation Authority.
DRONE REGISTRATION FOR RECREATIONAL/PRIVATE USER
ELIGIBILITY
All citizens and residents who own an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drone are eligible for a UAS/drone licence in the UAE.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION FOR DRONE REGISTRATION IN DUBAI
To begin your drone registration process in the UAE, you need to have these documents ready:
- Copy of a valid Emirates ID
- Drone or UAS model number
- Drone or UAS serial number
- Camera model and serial number (if the drone has a mounted camera)
- Weight of the drone in kilograms
- Coloured photo of the drone or UAS
PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING FOR A RECREATIONAL DRONE LICENCE
Once all the required documents are ready, you can start the procedure to register a drone in the UAE.
SUBMIT AN APPLICATION AT GCAA
- The first step is to apply via E-Services on the official GCAA website.
- You can also use My Drone Hub, a smartphone application alternative to the GCAA website, for drone registration.
- Fill out all the required details without missing any crucial details on the application form and wait for the review.
WAIT FOR THE REVIEW
- Once you have successfully applied for the UAS/drone registration, the application will be under review until the GCAA goes through the submitted documents and checks the information on the application.
- The review committee will also authenticate the validity of the submitted supporting documents, including the Emirates ID, UAS/Drone serial number, drone photo and other information proving the ownership and usage of the drone or UAS.
- The review may take 3 – 5 working days or more.
ISSUE OF UAS/DRONE REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE
Once the review process is completed and all the documents are deemed to be in accordance with the GCAA’s rules and regulations, the applicant will receive their UAS/Drone Registration Certificate. Receiving the certificate can take up to 12 working days.
HOW TO REGISTER FOR A COMMERCIAL UAS/DRONE LICENCE
Businesses or operators intending to operate drones in Dubai or other emirates in the UAE must also hold a GCAA Drone Registration Certificate. The application process for a commercial drone licence in the UAE starts with the UAS GCAA Exam. After passing the exam, you can apply for the licence.
DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION REQUIRED
- Details of the organisation requiring a drone for commercial use.
- Emirates IDs of the personnel responsible for handling and operating the drone.
- Passport numbers of all the responsible parties, if applicable.
- Serial number of the drone.
- Manufacturer information.
- Weight of the drone without payload.
- Weight of the drone with payload.
- The model number of the camera installed on the drone, if applicable.
PROCEDURE
- As mentioned above, all companies wanting to purchase and operate a drone in Dubai or other emirates in the UAE have to undergo a special exam. Visit the official website for more information regarding the exam.
- Once the exam is completed successfully, the responsible person needs to visit the official GCAA website and fill out the Drone Registration Application form for organisations.
- Fill in all the required details such as organisation name, type of organisation, address, contact number, and name of the person accountable, as well as trade licence number and insurance details covering drone operations.
- Fill out all the details of the personnel responsible for operating the drone.
- The personnel details include name, nationality, Emirates ID number, passport number, date of birth and visa number (if applicable).
- Mention the purpose of flying in the UAE; include the type and time of operations, area and maximum height.
- Information related to the drone or UAS will also be required. This information includes drone engine type, manufacturer name, serial number, weight with payload, weight without payload, usage capability, drone control, drone camera details and more.
Once all the information is successfully added and the application form is submitted, GCAA will provide the applicant with the GCAA Commercial Drone/UAS Certificate.
HOW TO REGISTER A DRONE IN DUBAI?
In addition to the rules and regulations established by GCAA, an individual or business wanting to operate a drone in Dubai must adhere to the rules set by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority or DCAA. Here’s the procedure to register a drone in Dubai:
INFORMATION REQUIRED BY DCAA TO REGISTER A DRONE IN DUBAI
Here is a list of documents and details needed to register a drone in Dubai for private or commercial use:
- Name of the owner/operator of the drone for private use.
- Company name, registration number, commercial licence number and name of the drone operator for commercial use.
- Emirates ID for owners or drone operators.
- Valid passport numbers of owners and drone operators.
- Valid passport number for non-residents.
- Passport-sized photos with a white background.
- Valid visa number, if applicable.
- Relevant contact information such as landline numbers, email and mobile number.
- RPAS type and model.
- Coloured image of the RPAS.
- The serial number of the RPAS.
- Operator trainer certificate for both UAE residents and tourists.
- Insurance number or national ID number for tourists.
- Flight booking information is required to get a Dubai drone licence if you are a tourist.
PROCEDURE TO REGISTER A DRONE IN DUBAI
To register a drone in Dubai, operators must get a training certificate endorsed by the DCAA to provide RPAS certifications. RCG Academy and Exponent are one of the approved training centres where drone owners in Dubai can get the necessary training. Once the training is complete, owners/operators can apply for NOC.
OBTAIN NOC
- Visit the official DCAA website and create a customer login ID if you’re visiting the site for the first time.
- Login to your account to fill out an application form.
- Include all the information required, and don’t miss out on any details
- Submit the application form.
- Pay online using the E-government services.
REVIEW, EVALUATION AND APPROVAL
- Once your application is submitted, wait for the DCAA to approve and evaluate the information provided on your drone registration application in Dubai.
- The DCAA can accept or reject applications if incorrect or incomplete information is provided.
- After completing the evaluation process, DCAA will approve the application and send the applicant a printed registration card.
- It will take 12 to 15 days for the process to be completed.
COST TO REGISTER DRONE IN DUBAI
Here are the different costs for registering a drone in Dubai:
- AED 500 for drone registration in Dubai for a government entity.
- AED 500 for drone registration in Dubai for a commercial entity.
- AED 500 for a temporary commercial drone licence.
- AED 100 for a professional drone licence in Dubai.
- AED 100 for a hobbyist drone licence in Dubai.
- AED 100 for a drone licence for tourists in Dubai.
- AED 1,500 for a no-objection certificate to fly a drone once for commercial purposes.
- AED 3,000 for a drone permit for aerial filming or advertising purposes.
DCAA CONTACT INFORMATION
- Location: Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airport Terminal 1 Arrivals section.
- Opening hours: 07:30 am – 03:30 pm (Monday to Thursday) | 07:30 am – 12:00 pm (Friday)
- Email: info@dcaa.gov.ae
- Contact: +971-4-224-4573 | +971-800-83222
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR DRONES IN DUBAI
- Stay restricted to the fly zones provided by the UAE Drone Zone Map app, available on the Play Store and App Store.
- Avoid collisions with objects and people and respect people’s privacy while using the drone for photography or videography, even if you hold a valid licence.
- UAS or drone flying near airports in Dubai and other emirates is strictly prohibited.
- Avoid flying drones near helipads as well.
- Drones should not be equipped with a drop or release device.
- The drones’ flying range must be within the line of sight and not more than 400 metres above ground level.
- Drones are permitted to fly during the daytime and in excellent weather conditions.
- Drone flights are not allowed in public places or private properties.
- Pilots or drone operators must maintain a direct radio control link for the duration of the flight.
- Drone pilots are responsible for informing the GCAA through the GCAA website when they intend to resell their drone(s).
FAQS
WHAT ARE THE APPROVED TRAINING INSTITUTES TO GET RPAS CERTIFICATE IN DUBAI?
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has accredited several institutions for providing training and certification in Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). These approved institutions include:
- Flight Hub
- RCG Academy
- Exponent
- Dubai Police
- FEDS
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE TO FLY HEAVY DRONES?
The minimum age for flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones weighing more than 25 kg is 21 years old.
WHAT IS THE DCAA CONTACT NUMBER?
Contact the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) for enquiries and assistance at +971-4-224-4573 or +971-800-83222.
And that’s a wrap to our guide on getting a Dubai drone permit. Registering a drone in Dubai or any other emirate in the UAE is mandatory. From private drone owners to commercial drones, each has its own rules and regulations. Also, check out public photography laws in the UAE.
Drones can also come in handy if you plan to visit the best areas in Dubai for a photoshoot. If you have a licence and flight permit from DCAA or GCAA, brush up your creative skills with one of the photography courses in the UAE.
