Uploading of snazzy pictures and videos taken by a drone on the social media is all the rage right now. Also, spotting drones hovering in the UAE’s skies for business purposes is a sight not uncommon anymore. However, you need to get a commercial drone license in Dubai for running certain aerial business activities.
Both professionals and amateurs alike can capture the beauteous landscape from a bird’s eye view. But, wait! Did you secure a professional license for your drone to fly about in Dubai? Are you committing a serious offence by flying a drone without approval of the UAE authorities?
Because of such an influx of drones in Dubai airspace, the government decided to implement a mandatory registration system this decision was made after repeated disruption by the recreational drones at the airport were observed.
Process of securing a commercial drone license in Dubai
Both the operator/organization and the drone must be registered with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). With the GCAA drone registration certification, they must get an NOC (No-Objection Certificate) from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA). This is the step-by step procedure of commercial drone license in Dubai.
- Register your drone in Dubai
- Apply for NOC for aerial work
- Obtain operational permission before drone flight
- Acquire essential approvals for smooth drone operations
Now, we briefly look upon the steps for getting a commercial drone license in Dubai and securing the flight permit.
Register your drone in Dubai
- This is done by first sharing your organization’s details with the DCAA which includes: company’s name and address, company’s commercial license, passport copy with visa in case of expatriate, passport photograph, Emirates ID, your drone’s or RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) photograph, its model name and number.
- You must register for an operator training certificate program with a validation by the DCCA to gain certification.
- Get an NOC from the DCAA.
- Insure your drone, as from 2017 the Dubai government has made it mandatory to get a minimum insurance.
- Take security clearance from the GCAA.
Apply for NOC for aerial work
- Submit an application for an NOC by opening up the governmental portal.
- The NOC requires extensive documentation like RPAS registration number, request letters, trader/commercial license, operator certification ID, company’s contact information.
- Also, the NOC needs RPAS drone type, RPAS drone serial number, insurance, security, clearance and safety assessment documents.
Obtain operational permission before drone flight
- Before your maiden drone flight, you must check with the authorities regarding the need of operational permits.
- Also, you may require some additional security clearance.
- The airspace of Dubai is divided into red and green zones
- For red zones you will have to obtain an Unmanned Aircraft Operator Authorization (UOA) for every flight operation.
- To manage the flight operations, the GCAA has My Drone Hub App particularly for the Emirates ID holders.
- This app helps in determining the flight path beforehand and prompting the user to apply for UOA in advance.
- Share the flight details such as: date, time and operator name.
Acquire essential approvals for smooth drone operations
- Depending upon the nature of the flight, you may require necessary approvals.
- They ensure the smooth and problem less flight of the drone.
- If the drone is for filming, then you must seek approval from the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC).
- Normally, the processing time for the issuance of a drone license is usually 5 days to 1 week.
- However, you can speed it up by paying an additional urgent fee of AED 5100 to the DCAA.
General do’s and don’ts regarding drones and UAVs
- Always consult with DCAA for any queries regarding drones, their licensing, and operational flights in Dubai.
- It is essential that you register your drones regardless of the intended use.
- 15 areas in Dubai are the no-fly zones. Make sure that you keep out of them at all costs. The areas include: airport, populated areas and some red tape or restricted areas.
- If the drone is for recreational purpose, make sure that it is flying in your line of sight.
- Recreational drones must be flown in the licensed aviation premises.
Fines to stop excessive usage of commercial drones
According to the UAE General Civil Aviation authority (GCAA), flying a drone or an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is still legal in the emirates. But failure in compliance to the new flying laws might result in a fine of AED 50,000. Also, there is a possibility of imprisonment in the case of severe infraction.
Don’t get stress, as by following these simple steps you can obtain a drone license in Dubai. The method is pretty straight forward for drones for recreational use. However, for commercial use it’s a slightly different story, but still manageable.
Pro tip: Hire a professional agency for smooth procurement of your commercial license as the procedure becomes a bit tricky and time consuming.
Conclusion
Are you stressing over the minute details of the attainment of commercial drone license in Dubai? You can enlist the help of professionals like KWS Middle East with vast experience in handling business setups in Dubai. They can assist you in making your Dubai drone flight dream a reality.
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