Coverage: United Arab Emirates coverage is limited to a small set of reviewed GCAA rules, mostly for recreational (hobby) flying under CAR-UAR. Commercial, event, demonstration, government and security operations are not covered, emirate-level rules (such as Dubai's) and zone maps are not checked, and the legal force of supporting GCAA guidance is unresolved.

🇦🇪United Arab Emirates

Training and competency

Mandatory Training Certificate from Accredited ATOVerified from official sources
Before flying any drone in the UAE, you must obtain a training certificate from a flight school (ATO) that is officially approved by the GCAA.
United Arab EmiratesUAR.ORG.010Effective -

Operations over people

Flight Over Gatherings and Privacy ProtectionVerified from official sources
Do not fly your drone over crowds or groups of people, and make sure you respect other people's privacy.
United Arab EmiratesUAR.ORG.020(a)(7)Effective -

Geographical zones

Prohibition of flying in restricted areasVerified from official sources
Do not fly your drone in prohibited or restricted zones. Always check the 'UAE Drones' platform (drones.gov.ae) before flying.
United Arab EmiratesUAR.ORG.030(c)Effective -

VLOS

Visual Line-of-Sight and Daylight Only OperationsVerified from official sources
You must keep your drone within your direct line of sight at all times and only fly during daylight hours.
United Arab EmiratesUAR.ORG.020(a)(6)Effective -

Remote ID

Remote Identification System RequirementVerified from official sources
Your drone must be equipped with an active remote identification (Remote ID) system.
United Arab EmiratesUAR.ORG.015(c)Effective -

Aircraft registration

Owner must register the unmanned aircraft before operationsVerified from official sources
The owner must register the unmanned aircraft with the GCAA or the competent authority, as applicable, before carrying out operations.
United Arab EmiratesArticle 7(1)Effective -

Maximum altitude

Maximum Flight AltitudeVerified from official sources
Do not fly your drone higher than 400 feet (120 meters) above the ground.
United Arab EmiratesUAR.ORG.020(b)(4)Effective -