23.9 thousand drones registered in the country

The number of drones registered in the country reached 23,960, about 23,000 for individual hobbyists and 960 for companies.

Corporate aircraft include those used for things such as photography and surveys, but private aircraft for air shows, which number in the thousands, are also excluded.

The number of companies providing drone services registered in the country reached 270 companies.

Since January 7, the unified national platform for aircraft has received 270 applications to register drones from individuals, while the number of companies registered on the platform has reached 93 out of 270 companies.

The announcement of these statistics came during a press conference organized by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, yesterday, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and the Integrated Transport Center in Abu Dhabi, to announce the details of the full launch of the unified national platform for drones.

The conference was held at the headquarters of the General Civil Aviation Authority in Dubai, following the announcement of the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority launching the unified national platform for drones.

The General Civil Aviation Authority explained that the unified national platform for drones is an interactive platform that aims to register and regulate the operations of this type of aircraft, define the requirements for their use, and ensure compliance with laws and procedures that ensure the safety of individuals and property.

She stressed that the platform represents a unified center to facilitate procedures for users, by involving all concerned parties in one place, and is an essential pillar for supporting continuous development and improvement in the drone sector.

The platform contributes to achieving the national strategic goals aimed at enhancing the quality of life, by ensuring the responsible and safe use of this technology, in line with the “We Are the Emirates 2031” vision and the UAE Centenary 2071.

The Director of the Air Support Department at the Ministry of Interior, Colonel Jamal Al Hosani, said that the Ministry announced, in coordination with the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, and the concerned authorities, that the use of drones has become available to individuals since January 7, 2025, according to specific requirements. It ensures the safety and protection of society, with the aim of enhancing the quality of life and achieving the “We Are the Emirates 2031” vision, stressing the need for the public to adhere to the instructions and requirements of the concerned authorities, in order to ensure the safety of lives and property and enhance the security of society.

In turn, the Assistant Director General of the Aviation Safety Sector at the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Engineer Aqeel Al Zarouni, said that those wishing to use drones must register on the platform, through the digital ID, with the need to review the conditions, follow the registration steps, and verify the areas allowed for flight. In it, and the availability of a remote identification system on the plane.

He explained that allowing the operation of drones at the present time is limited to residents who possess a digital identity, while allowing the operation of these drones for tourists is still under discussion with strategic partners.

For her part, the Acting Director of the Drones Department at the Integrated Transport Center in Abu Dhabi, Engineer Hana Muhammad Al-Kukhardi, said that the Center is working with partners to translate national efforts at the level of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in a way that reflects the harmony between the federal and local systems, as it seeks through this platform to achieve Providing integrated services that include issuing approvals and permits related to the operation of drones, ensuring full compliance with legislation and laws related to operational safety and airspace security, and enhancing transparency and efficiency in managing operations related to this sector at the global level. The emirate.

The Senior Director of the Airspace Department at the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Ahmed Saleh Al Shehhi, mentioned some technical requirements, which include that the operator must obtain approval through registration on the platform, a certificate from training centers accredited by the Authority, and that he must adhere to the areas specified in the flight map shown. In the application.

He pointed out that flying must be at a height not exceeding 400 feet (120 metres), with a commitment to flying within sight level and during the day, not flying over crowds, respecting the privacy of others, flying in a way that does not pose a threat to the safety of individuals and property, and staying away from airports. And helipads.

Regarding small aircraft that are operated inside villas and home gardens, he explained that the decision regarding individuals includes all aircraft that weigh less than five kilograms, even those that are operated within the home garden, while it does not apply to operation within closed places.

Al Shehhi stated that drone operators will have to adhere to the requirements and regulations of the federal government, in addition to the emirate in which they operate.