Dubai Introduces New Regulations for Drone Airports

Dubai has announced the introduction of new regulations for the use of drone airports in the emirate. The laws will establish standards for the benefit of drones in the city and assign responsibility for overseeing their use to specific entities.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, issued Law No. (10) of 2023, which amends specific articles of Law No. (4) of 2020 to enhance safety standards. The new Law outlines approved criteria for designing and operating “Drone Airports” in Dubai. It mandates the development of necessary infrastructure and the provision of fuel and power supply for these airports.

The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) will establish and endorse standards and criteria for Drone Airports, approve engineering designs, and oversee the implementation of these designs and plans for stations, facilities, and infrastructure. The DCAA will also be responsible for setting standards for contractors and consultants involved in constructing Drone Airports and their associated stations, facilities, and infrastructure.

The Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) will design Drone Airports and oversee implementation in compliance with international standards. The new Law prohibits any individual from constructing infrastructure related to the operation of drones or Drone Airports or supplying fuel for drones without obtaining a license from the DCAA. Any provisions in other legislation that conflict with the new Law will be considered null and void. The new Law will become effective upon its publication in the Official Gazette.

Dubai Downtown, photo by Belinda Fewings

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