UAE Residency Requirement for UOA

In plain language

Only drone operators based in the UAE can apply for and receive a UOA, though they may be permitted to contract foreign operators if no local operator can perform the mission.

Requirement as structured

Only UAE-based operators can be granted a UA Operator Authorisation (UOA), unless authorized to contract a non-UAE operator due to lack of local capability.

Original regulatory text

Only UAE based operator can be granted UOA. However, the GCAA or LAA may authorize a UAE based operator to contract a non-UAE based UA operator if there is no UAE UA operator capable of performing the requested mission with acceptable justification

Applies when

operation

commercial

operation regime

commercial_governmental