The Saudi Arabian agency responsible for drone safety, GACA, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, go to the link above.
Are drones allowed in Saudi Arabia?
According to the GACA, flying drones is legal in Saudi Arabia, but certain regulations must be strictly followed. Read on for more details.
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Saudi Arabia:
Drones are considered a serious threat to public security in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Nonetheless, the country has created an opportunity for private individuals to import and fly drones legally.
Avoid flying your drone directly over people or large crowds.
Never fly your drone above 150 meters.
Never fly your drone beyond your visual line of sight - you must always be able to see the drone in the sky. When flying your drone, respect the privacy of others.
Avoid flying your drone over airports or in areas frequented by aircraft. You must fly during daylight hours and only in good weather.
Avoid flying your drone over sensitive areas like government or military installations. Drones or camera drones are not permitted in these areas.
Drone Registration Requirements in Saudi Arabia?
Drones weighing 250 grams (0.55 lbs) and above require the operator to apply for a Certificate of Aircraft Registration to register the aircraft.
Drone registrations must be renewed every three years.
All drones must display a unique identification number issued by the Registry after the Certificate of Aircraft Registration has been approved.
The identification number must be affixed in a secure and easily accessible way and visible upon inspection.
How to apply for authorization to fly a drone in Saudi Arabia?
Applications for authorized operations must be submitted in a format and manner acceptable to the President of GACA, along with information about the UAS’s performance characteristics, communications, pilot documentation, and other critical operations data.