New regulations: How much does it cost to fly drones in UAE?

The United Arab Emirates has implemented a new fee structure for 17 drone-related services, with costs ranging from Dhs200 to Dhs10,000.

The resolution, which came into effect in late July, aims to regulate the civil use of drones and related activities within the country.

The fees will be collected by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and will be used to oversee and regulate the drone industry.

Drone service fees

The following table outlines the fees for various drone-related services:

While the GCAA is the primary regulatory authority, the resolution also allows individual Emirates to establish their own drone-related regulations and collect corresponding fees. However, these Emirate-level authorities must coordinate with the GCAA to ensure compliance with national regulations.

The Cabinet has retained the authority to modify the fee structure as needed in the future. This flexibility ensures that the regulations can adapt to the evolving drone industry.

It's important to note that this new fee structure comes after a 2022 ban on drone use for personal purposes by the UAE's Ministry of Interior. This ban was implemented following instances of drone misuse. The introduction of these fees is part of the UAE's broader efforts to regulate the drone industry and promote safe and responsible drone operations.