An updated guide on what is allowed and what isn't allowed when flying drones in the UAE for personal usage
8 January 2025
| Last updated on 14 January 2025
Planning on flying a drone in the UAE? These are the latest conditions to remember!
After years of restriction, the UAE announced that the usage of drones will be permitted again for recreational activities, under a new set of guidelines for individuals as listed on the UAE Drones app and official government website: drones.gov.ae
Previously, UAE officials prohibited the use of drones in January 2022 but began to partially lift the ban in November 2024.
In this guide, we break down what are the UAE's guidelines and requirements for operating drones, so you can carry out your personal projects legally and with ease.
The use of drones for recreational purposes in the UAE
The ban on using drones for individual purposes in the UAE has been eased, confirmed the country's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Starting Tuesday January 7th, 2025, residents and visitors who wish to use their drones for non-commercial reasons are now free to do so, under certain conditions - including getting a training certificate and a permit. These new guidelines are in place to protect the safety of both the community and local airspace.
However, not all emirates are re-allowing flying drones for recreational use.
Does Dubai permit flying drones for individual use?
As of January 2025, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has yet to lift the ban on individual drone use. The GCAA's new guidelines do not cover Dubai, as the emirate's drone rules are determined by the DCAA.

What are the requirements to legally operate a drone for individual use in the UAE?
If you're interested in piloting a drone for your own personal use (not for businesses or the government), you will need the following:
- A valid training certificate from a GCAA-accredited centre in the UAE.
- A drone flight permit via the UAE Drone app or official website (a training certificate is required for this).
Where to get a drone training certificate in the UAE?
To legally operate a drone in the UAE, one of the first key steps is obtaining a training certificate from any GCAA-accredited centre.
List of accredited training centres for drone pilots in the UAE:
- Versa Aerospace - Abu Dhabi, Al Asayl Racing and Equestrian Club | www.versa-aerospace.ae | [email protected] | +971 2 246 4317
- Emirates Falcon Aeroclub - Al Ain | [email protected] | +971 3 7854 444 or +971 54 326 2721
- Melaaha Drones -Fujairah, Al Hail Industrial Area | [email protected] | +971 54 437 3796 or +971 50 551 3035

How to apply for a drone permit in the UAE?
Anyone who wishes to operate a drone in the UAE for non-commercial purposes are required to register as a drone pilot through the GCAA and apply for a permit. We've put together a step-by-step guide for you:
- Visit the GCAA's official UAE Drones Unified Platform: https://drones.gov.ae/ or download the UAE Drone App (available for iOS and Android).
- Sign up for a Recreational Account: https://drones.gov.ae/up/pilot-register (You can sign in with your UAE Pass)
- Add all your personal details, including your full name, nationality, passport number, Emirates ID number, email address, and phone number.
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA.
- Once your profile is approved, you will receive an email to pay the registration fee(s).
- You can now submit requests for all your future drone flight permits.
How long will a drone permit take to process?
After submitting an application for a drone flight permit in the UAE, it will take around two hours to process. Operators are required to submit a permit each time they plan to fly their drone for personal use.
How much are the costs?
For drone operator registration, there is a one-time fee of AED 100.
To register your drone, it will cost AED 200 (for recreational drone use), which is renewable every two years.

What are the operational requirements for drone pilots?
What are the regulations for flying a drone in the UAE (individual use)?
- The drone operator must be at least 16 years old.
- The drone must weigh 5kg or less.
- Prepare your drone/UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) for each flight.
- Follow the rules and instructions guide for your specific UAV.
- Prior to flying the drone, the operator must submit a request for a flight permit through the UAE Drone app or the GCAA's official UAE Drones Unified Platform.
- Avoid flying over restricted areas such as airports and helicopter landing pads.
- Drone pilots must only operate their UAV during daylight hours, not in the evenings.
- Operators must adhere to the designated areas in the flight map on the UAE Drone app.
- Drones must not fly above 400 feet (120 metres) from ground level.
- Ensure that it's always flying within visual line-of-sight.
- Operators must fly the drones in a manner that respects other people's privacy and does not pose a danger to the safety of individuals and property.
- Ensure you have a live feed of the drone flight.
All drone operators are required to abide by the GCAA's regulations.