The Emirates agency responsible for drone safety, GCAA, has provided several details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, go to the link above.
Are drones allowed in the UAE?
Are Drones allowed in UAE? Yes, the UAE Drone ban has been lifted. According to GCAA, drones are allowed in the UAE, subject to GCAA regulations. Read on for more details.
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in the United Arab Emirates:
The UAE provides separate regulations based on types of users defined as:
a) Individual/Private (Recreational)
This category is for all individual/private users who want to fly UAS/drones in the UAE for leisure (hobby).
b) Organization/Operator (Commercial & Non-Commercial)
This category is for all organizations/operators who want to operate UAS/drones in the UAE for commercial purposes or special operations, e.g., photography, aerial survey, etc.
Specific guidance is provided in each section below.
UAS/Drones Flying Zones
To learn about allowable flying zones in the UAE airspace, download the Mobile App “My Drone Hub” for Android or iOS phones or download the KMZ file here.
For UAS/drones inquiries, please get in touch with the following:
For registration and requirements, contact the GCAA Aircraft Registry Unit by email at drones@gcaa.gov.ae or by telephone at 8004466 (Sunday - Thursday, 8 am - 2 pm)
NOTE: Dubai has additional requirements provided on the separately linked Dubai Drone Laws page. Important 2026 update: the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has suspended recreational drone flying in Dubai except in DCAA-designated zones with a per-flight authorization, and the GCAA now requires certified training at an approved academy before a licence is issued.