UAE Drone Law Explained updated for 2024

Are you thinking of using a drone in UAE, or you planning to bring your drone with you on holidays next time you are travelling. Orin the case your drone has been confiscated by customs in UAE, well this is the video for you. In this video I will take you through the UAE drone Laws and what you can and cant do. I will also take you through registration process to get your drone through the customs or get it released from the customs.
Find your Next Adventure -- www.geekwander...
Find Best Car Rental -- www.geekwander...
Find Best Travel Insurance -- www.geekwander...

[@geekwandering]

For anyone looking for the latest announcement on the UAE Drone Ban Status for none commercial purpose you can monitor this page www.dcaa.gov.ae/services/aviation-safety-operations/drone-non-commercial-purpose

[@jorgeneo560]

so right now its not posible to fly recreational drones like racing drones?

[@geekwandering]

correct all personal non-commercial drone activities are still suspended

[@jorgeneo560]

@@geekwandering so bad, this extend to hobby rc aircraft too?

[@ZedJay1026]

Thank you for this very informative information. Travelling to the UAE from another country before heading home.

[@MustangGT2024]

Well done A very informative video that will benefit a lot of people who are lost on what is needed to be legal.

[@Chreyt]

Hi, question. I just bought today Mini 2 Se and in the box there is barcode from MOIAT and there is LOC flow. Is this okay already to pass the Dubai immigration + GCAA.

[@RafaelLSM]

Great video. Do you know anything regarding flying drones in Qatar?

[@cycle_knight]

Thank you for such an important information. You just saved my wallet from unnecessary expenses

[@user-bg6kg8mv5d]

Very useful information. Many Thanks

[@crispaullopez8037]

Hi sir, Thank you for the informative video. may i ask, how about fpv drone like dji avata, is it ok to fly indoors? because i dont have plans flying it outside as i know it's restricted.

[@Matrix-tz5yc]

thanks. also i would like to fly my paramotor. what do you search for?

[@user-cj4od6zy4j]

great video, thanks for explaining!

[@azharma4215]

thanks alot

[@elisekerr_]

Thank you for the info. On the application its asking for 'Copy of Drone Training Certificate' but i just got my first drone i don't have any training. I just want to take it from Dubai to Europe and back again

[@geekwandering]

I think you trying to register your drone on Dubai website. You need to register it on moiat website in order to get the LOC, and be able to clear it through customs when travelling

[@elisekerr_]

@@geekwandering yep that’s what I’m trying to do and it’s asking for my training certificate

[@geekwandering]

are you able to do a screenshot and post a link to screenshot,

[@elisekerr_]

@@geekwandering now i've done through moiat and it's been rejected. it says: Application status is: Application is rejected. Review Application. Wafa Salim has wrote the following: Kindly register the drone through the GCAA Website. Note that “All flying operations for owners, practitioners and hobbyists of drones are banned until further notice”.

[@zakiabdinasiromar5434]

Does this apply to fixed-wing drones that have been designed and manufactured by my self?

[@ajm14]

Hi, I intend to travel from the UK to Dubai, where I will stay for a week and then travel to Tanzania. I don’t intend to use the drone at all in the UAE or Dubai. However, I intend to use it in Tanzania. Following my trip to Tanzania I will return back to Dubai for a couple of days before returning to the UK. Is just the LOC sufficient for this? And can I carry my drone with me during my trip or do I have to have it stored at customs? If so does the customs storage fee apply?

[@geekwandering]

HI, yes with LOC you can bring the drone into the country and have it with you.

[@zoobiedoo_whereareyou]

Thanks very informative video, so its clear that if I don't intend to use the drone in UAE only LOC is required for customs..... So the question is the LOC is one time document or has any validity? Or we need to apply every time we go out of uae. Can you advise 😁

[@geekwandering]

Hi, LOC does not have expiry so once you get it you can use it as many times as you want

[@antoniosasso4543]

Good evening brother the best video that i have found on the web to have this kind of information, thank you so much i would like to ask you if you can resolve my doubt My final destination will be Manila Philippines and i will do a stop over in Abu Dhabi then i have rented a car to reach Dubai because my flight for Manila departs from Dubai the next day my question is i need only the LOC to have a drone with me (i don't want fly in UAE)? I'm not scared about entering in Abu dhabi, but i'm scared about going in dubai airport to leave UAE Thank in advance for your time

[@geekwandering]

HI, yes you need LOC, loc is required to bring the drone into the country (which means in your case Abu Dhabi airport) you do not need LOC to exit the country with the drone (in your case Dubai). also please note depending who you flying with there are different rules for packing the drone. this needs to be checked with airline. For example on Emirates you are not allowed to have the drone in carry on so you have to have your drone in checked in baggage but all the batteries and controller in carry on.

[@TarekTravels]

Thanks a lot for the informative video! Just to double check, if I only intend to bring it with me without flying it in Dubai, obtaining the LOC document is more than enough right?

[@geekwandering]

yes that's correct.

[@ajm14]

@@geekwanderingdoes this mean you can carry it with you in Dubai or does it have to remain at customs even if you have the LOC? If so, do you still pay the daily fees?

[@soldierbill]

thanx

[@alexarauz]

Hello, thank you for this very informative video. I do have a follow questions if you wouldn’t mind helping me. I am planning on visiting Dubai for 2 weeks, entering and existing via Abu Dhabi. Would it be possible to leave my drone with customs and pick it up on my exit. Is it still advisable to register the drone? Thank you.

[@geekwandering]

HI, i was told by customs officer that when your drone is taken you have one month to either register it and take it out of the customs or to exit the country and take it out from the customs. However i personally had not experienced the second option. Registration cost is 200 AED which is about 55USD so its not that big. I hope this helps.

[@user-zb9lq7sw5n]

Hi, my friend bought a drone in Dubai and while I was in my friend's hotel room the police came and searched, they found the drone and confiscated it, we were put in jail for a week and now we have been living in the desert for 4 months without a home because we ran out of money My friend does not admit whether he flew before or not Tell me please, will they put me in jail too, even if I have nothing to do with the drone?

[@geekwandering]

HI, i am not a lawyer and unable to comment on legal matters. My recommendation is to discuss your matter with a lawyer.

[@FordCVS]

Thank you for the helpful video . qustion the LOC is it multiple number of uses or its one time only need to get one everytime you return to uae ?

[@geekwandering]

hi, its multiple times usage, you only apply once. As as side note I generally keep a printed copy in my drone bag so I never forget it.

[@madelynnowak-roddy5121]

This is such a great video thank you so much I am so happy I found this!!! I am travelling from the UK through Qatar for one hour and then to Dubai as I am moving there. I would like to bring my drone (I will not be using it in Dubai, only using it for travel outside) so if I register and obtain this LOC they won’t confiscate my drone when passing through Qatar/ Dubai? Thank you again for all this info!

[@madelynnowak-roddy5121]

Forgot to mention I will not be leaving the qatar airport, only passing through. As Qatar is not part of uae does this mean the loc doesn’t matter there and they will confiscate the drone?

[@geekwandering]

I am not sure about the rules in Qatar, however if you transiting and not entering the country then you not going through the customs so you should be ok. For UAE you will need LOC to bring the drone into the country

[@PapaDino]

Great video, thanks for the information. I’m going to Dubai in a month for a holiday. I bought a Hover Camera X1, not sure if it counts as a proper drone? Has the ban been lifted yet? Thanks for any comments you have

[@geekwandering]

Hi the ban is still in place. I had a look at Hover Camera X1 and I think even it is quite small and has limited height and speed of flying I think to be on the safe side I will have to say it is considered as drone. in UAE law the definition as following "Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV): Remote Piloted Aerial Vehicle (UASV) or Drone is actual unmanned aerial vehicle, other than a balloon or kite which is intended to be operated with no pilot on board." Also UAE does have strict law enforcement so in my view it is better to be safe then sorry. I hope this helps

[@BUWF-LONG]

Thank you for your video. Please tell me, I moved from Vietnam to Socotra, transited at Abu Dhabi and had a scene in Abu Dhabi. The link you gave me dubai is specified. Where can I register to hold a drone in Abu?

[@geekwandering]

Abu Dhabi registration is under federal system which moiat.gov.ae/ (the registration part in the video how to register it)

[@BUWF-LONG]

@@geekwandering thank you so much

[@sauyeed9]

Great video. Thanks 1. I'm going to MRU from LDN but transiting through DXB with only 1.5hr stop-over. I won't leave the airport and camera drone will be in the checked in baggage. Do I need to do anything or will it be ok? 2. I'll be staying in Dubai for 7 nights from MRU. I don't want to fly my drone in Dubai. Can I leave the drone with customs for 7 days and I can pickup before I leave Dubai?

[@geekwandering]

Here is my comments 1) no need to do anything as you are not entering the country. 2) in case customs take your drone you will have one month to get the paperwork done and pick it up or exit the country and pick it up. Worst case if there is any issues at the customs you can always get the paperwork done and pick it up you will be in dubai for 7 days its plenty of time. I assume MRU is Mauritius, i have actually recorder similar video for Mauritius today (will be released next week) as I am goin there in a few weeks time.

[@sauyeed9]

Thanks a lot this helps. I plan to leave the drone with customs for 7 days and pick it up when I leave as no need to have it with me in Dubai@@geekwandering

[@jpn2561]

Great video. I am stopping off for a few days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on the way to the Maldives. I don’t intend to fly my drone in the UAE but I’m guessing it’s best to do this application just in case as I don’t want to have my drone confiscated. Thanks

[@Estebanvibes]

What happened to you? I am in the same situation as you ! pls tell me shall I register too?

[@jpn2561]

Didn’t end up booking Dubai. Just going to the Maldives. Will be going Dubai in the future though so would be interested to know.

[@chintupintu840]

Do we need to register drones which is under 249g as well? my DJI mini 4 drone was detained by customs today.

[@geekwandering]

Yes all drones must be registered

[@amitgopeenauth6000]

Do you need to apply for an LOC everyone you fly back to the UAE?

[@geekwandering]

you need to register drone only once

[@Sheikhazeemsh]

Thank you

[@berli76]

Well done. Next month i'm going to UAE, where can I check when they lift the ban on flying drones in this country?

[@geekwandering]

Hi, the best places to get updates is GCAA and DCAA websites if the band is lifted it should be mentioned there also it will probably be mentioned in the newspaper thenational dot ae

[@ashtongodinho4902]

I live in Dubai. I just bought my drone and am planning to visit my home country for vaction. Do i need only the GCAA and LOC to get the drone back to Dubai or I need to obtain the DCAA aswell? I do not intend to fly it here due to the new rules but was curious if i needed the the DCCA aswell to get the drone back from holidays?

[@geekwandering]

LOC is required to bring it back through customs.

[@DavieLangham]

Thank you for this video. Can I ask , I’m traveling the world and stopping in Dubai for a week. I’m aware if the current ban. As I understand I need a GCAA loc etc. is this sufficient for Dubai as their is a ban. Also how will be able to apply for a DCAA, going to the academy there etc before I get there. If so why would I need this if I can’t even fly or intend on flying. My problem if I just get the GCAA LOC documents, and it is seized in Dubai, I’m not flying out from the same airport. Will they transfer the drone to where I fly from?

[@geekwandering]

HI, GCAA LOC is a customs document which is required to bring the drone into the country and valid across all ports as it is on federal level. DCAA is required to fly the drones in Dubai Emirate (which is currently banned). So by having LOC you can bring the drone into the country.

[@DavieLangham]

@@geekwandering thank you so itch for that. One more thing. If I am travelling with two drones, will I need to get an LOC for each drone?

[@geekwandering]

yes you will need to register each drone with GCAA to get LOC for each drone (each LOC will have a drone serial number on it)

[@ceridabrown3350]

Do you need to do this if you are just transiting through Dubai and not staying or planning to fly there? In my case I’m going into the Maldives and the Philippines after. I have a 14 hour layover in Dubai

[@geekwandering]

if you going through the customs with your drone then yes, if you just going to be in the airport and not exiting then not

[@Vejay-hs1fn]

Hello, I bought Dji Mini 2 se which is less than 250grams, i am frequent traveller from dubai to india and india to dubai, is it necessary to get drone loc for this 249grams drone, product spec mentioned as No need faa registration and no id for this 249 g product,,,

[@geekwandering]

all drones require registration in UAE

[@vijayfeb]

@@geekwandering Thanks for your proper guidance to get all those 3 Drone certificates, feeling relaxed now

[@ryublake7140]

I am traveling the world. I want to visit Oman by car through the UAE. Can I bring my drone into the UAE as long as I register the drone with the LOC? The next flight is from Muscat, so there is no return to Abu Dhabi. Of course I will not use drones according to the rules.

[@geekwandering]

yes as long as you have LOC you can bring the drone into the UAE, on a side note if you traveling from UAE to Oman by car make sure you have car insurance that covers Oman as they check it on the border also for the Drone please check the Oman requirements as from memory they used to require drone pilots licenses to fly the drone but I am not 100% sure if it is still the case

[@ryublake7140]

​@@geekwandering thanks a lot, it is very helpful. i also do not use drone in oman.because it looks like it also illegal to use. There is one concern.They won't confiscate my drone if i am traveling by car, right?

[@geekwandering]

@@ryublake7140 I actually not sure what the current requirements for entering into Oman with drone. However the last time I went to Oman by car about six month ago from Abu Dhabi they did not scan the bags, they just had a quick look through them and not all bags.

[@ryublake7140]

@@geekwandering thanks for your reply :) that is very helpful for me.!!

[@brunocolesantaana]

Hi. Thank you for your video. I'm travelling next august from Spain with my family to Maldives with a stopover of 3 days en Abu Dhabi. I won't fly my drone in Abu Dhabi, only in Maldives. I have readen that is absolutely necessary to have the permission to bring my dron into Abu Dhabi. Is it true? And my second questions is: When I will return to Spain, I will do the same trip, returning from Maldives and staying 2 days in Abu Dhabi. Is necessary make de the form again and pay the 200 aed??? Thank you.

[@brunocolesantaana]

Hi. Have you seen my question??? Could you answer me, please???

[@geekwandering]

HI, you need to register your drone only once? So no need to do second registration on your way back. All drones entering UAE need to have LOC document. Otherwise they will be seized by customs. On another note have you obtained all the necessary permissions for Maldives they are quite strict there and there are a lot of procedures which need to be followed I have a video on maldives as well here kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIHcfo2Pr9Z7opY

[@oliviamcdonald7149]

You can't just register now you need a UAE Pass but for that you need to have visited in the last 6 months. How am I supposed to get an LOC in advance now?

[@geekwandering]

you can register for uae pass before arriving to UAE with your passport, docs.uaepass.ae/faq. If you facing any issues with UAE pass you should contact them directly and they will assist you.

[@hylosdilapas2644]

Hi, Can u help me regarding the MOIAT because i was stuck on the technical specs. What will I answer to the geographical questions and the GPS or similar section? Also, what is the operational range, energy source and the max sec / lenght question on that step. My drone i mini 4 pro..thanks for the help Sir.

[@geekwandering]

hi, you can check all the technical specs for mini 4 pro here www.dji.com/ae/mini-4-pro/specs you should find all the answers you looking for there, if you still have issues with the questions please copy and paste the exact questions into the comments here and I will try to assist.

[@hylosdilapas2644]

Hello sir ive been searching on the browser for the answer of the below questions; Country of Origin:( i dont know if the manufacturer or for the owner ) GPS or Similar Tech: Yes or No Geographic limits system : Yes or No Operational Range: Energy Source: Payload: Max Section / Length: Those are the questions i cant find an answer. Thank u for the help. Coz im just a new on this.

[@geekwandering]

HI, i hope the following will help you Country of Origin is China for manufacturer details you can put DJI details (you can find them here www.dji.com/ae/contact) GPS or Similar Tech: Yes Geographic limits system Yes Operational Range: 20 km (i think you may have to put this value in meters) Energy Source: Battery Payload: I think this is 249g , I cant find any data on additional weight it can carry Max Section/Length: here max sections is 373mm based on the unfolded dimensions Unfolded (with propellers): 298×373×101 mm (L×W×H)

[@Flexjourney]

Should I (as a tourist) still apply for a certificate when my drone got through customs without any certificate and I'm still in Dubai and will leave it in 3 days?

[@geekwandering]

no, you don't need any docs to take the drone out of the country, please make sure you don't fly your drone in UAE as it is currently banned

[@FlyingwithAli]

Hello, I will be flying into Doha for about 5 days then into Dubai for another 5 days. I will be bringing my mini 3 pro. what forms do I need to fill out for Qatar as well

[@geekwandering]

hi, I am not closely familiar with Qatar regulations but in my understanding the following applies " It is prohibited to operate Unmanned Aircraft in the territory of the state of Qatar without a prior permission license issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). According to the CAA, this authorization is available only to Qatari residents."

[@deblasidev]

How would you be able to import a drone if you are purchasing it outside of the UAE? How can you get a letter of conformity if the drone is in a package and has never been opened?

[@geekwandering]

Yes you can. I bought one of the drones from US and shipped by DHL . It was new and unopened. DHL did the customs clearance.

[@deblasidev]

@@geekwandering Thanks for letting me know!

[@i.am.razvan]

Hello. If I am transiting through Abu Dhabi airport and I don't leave the airport. Do I need to pay the AED200 fee? Or I can declare it at the customs on arrival?

[@geekwandering]

Hi, if you are transiting through the airport you actually don’t go through customs you will only go through security check and then to departure area for your next flight, so you do not need to register the drone in UAE in that case as you actually not entering the country

[@jasvirsingh7]

Hi, thanks a lot for this very informative video. I have s question, if i have GCAA drone registration, do we still need to register drone with DCAA if I don't intend to fly drone in any of the UAE emirates. It is only for out of UAE trips. Also how long is GCAA registration (LoC) valid ?? , thanks

[@geekwandering]

HI, regarding DCAA, no you do not as DCAA only for flying in Dubai. To Bring the drone into the country you need LOC (Letter of Conformity). The GCAA registration and LOC took less then 5 working days in both cases that I done. There is no expiry on LOC so I am assuming it does not have an expiry.

[@jasvirsingh7]

@@geekwanderingthanks a lot again.. i just got mine LoC, GCAA registration, label in 2 days.. going by your answer, as I don't intend to fly in Dubai ( you anyway cannot fly anywhere in UAE at present 😊), i will not go for DCAA registration and/or training certificate, thanks

[@w.sekkar3421]

​@@jasvirsingh7hii .. where to apply for loc and gcaa ? I am flying to dubai in a month and i want to take my drone with me

[@jasvirsingh7]

@@w.sekkar3421i did register for GCAA as well as for DCAA as i had to arrive in Dubai Airport. As I understand , it is okay to have only GCAA registration as long as we don't intend to land in dubai AirPort. If you land in Dubai AirPort, DCAA is mandatory required and DCAA registration required a certificate from one of registered academies in Dubai ( i did mine from sanad academy ). Online Link for DCAA and GCAA registration are easily googleable.

[@roopsehajhundal9033]

Hello going to Dubai next month can I take my DJI mini 3 pro with me and can I fly it ??its for my personal use for memories and all??

[@geekwandering]

HI, ok so you can take it with you providing you register the drone and get the LOC(letter of conformity) so you can get it through the customs. However you can not fly it in Dubai or anywhere else in UAE right now as there is a ban in place for all drone flying. And breaking the ban can get you in a serious trouble from a very big fine to potential jail term. But this ban may be lifted no one knows when so its best to check about a week before your travel if the ban still in place and if not (then you can apply for LOC) but please note that if you want to fly it in dubai you also have to go through DCAA registration which requires you to get the drone license from UAE academy and it does takes some time. For the rest of the UAE once you get the LOC you also will get the GCAA registrations which allows you to fly the drone in UAE except for Dubai.

[@fauzanazhima6241]

Hello Sir, thanks for the video, very useful. I will be travelling to Istanbul and transit in Dubai for couple hours. i bring dji mini 4 pro. Should i registered the drone as well in dubai, though it’s only for couple of hours of transfer? Thank you for your help

[@geekwandering]

if you not entering the country then no need to register. Have you checked the requirements for Turkey? Here I have a video as well for Turkey laws. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3_LlWuhpciSftE

[@fauzanazhima6241]

Thank you 🙏

[@ayershin9744]

Hello, I purchased my drone (DJI Mini 4 Pro) UAE Version via Amazon, and it came with a MOIAT Label containing the serial number and QR Code. Upon scanning the code, it displays "Drone LoC Transfer Flow". It contains the drone details including Drone Tag Number etc.. Would you kindly confirm if this is sufficient, or do I still need to register and obtain an LoC for my own use? I am traveling to another country next month via Abu Dhabi Airport. Thank you in advance.

[@geekwandering]

Is it a new Drone or Second Hand? Does LOC document has your name on it? What I think may have happened is that the drone was registered by previous owner and then when it was sold you you the owner put it into transfer state or sold the drone in order to remove the drone from his /her account. I have never faced this situation as I always registered new drones. But I think you still need to register it yourself so it is in your name and the transfer is complete.

[@ayershin9744]

@@geekwandering It’s a new drone. I registered it under my name anyway, following your suggestions and made a payment. I traveled and came back with it without any issues. They didn’t ask for any documents. Still, it’s best to have it registered to be safe. Thanks!

[@Abdullah_Tariq996]

Hello, so I have a question regarding about a drone. So, I'm moving from California which is Usa to Dubai. Can I take my drone with me to Dubai as I fully move there?

[@geekwandering]

i, yes you can bring the drone in providing you have registered it and received the LOC certificate to get it through the customs. please note that flying drones in UAE is currently banned until further notice.

[@w.sekkar3421]

Where can i apply for loc ? To just get through the gate with my drone in dubai

[@geekwandering]

you can apply for it on moiat(dot)gov(dot)ae and the steps for applying are in the video

[@user-gw2un8sl6t]

HI Sir, thanks for your video, very informative, I have question, we are planning to have a tour in Georgia next month, via Abu Dhabi airport. I'm not flying drone here in UAE since I know it's banned till now. Please let me know the required documentation for my drone (DJI mini 3), so I can take it with me to Georgia and back to Abu Dhabi. Again, Im not flying drone in UAE only in Georgia for a trip with family. I have residence visa in UAE

[@geekwandering]

You need drone LOC (letter of conformity) which is required by customs to bring the drone back to UAE , you can apply for it on moiat(dot)gov(dot)ae and the steps for applying are in the video. The cost is about 200 AED from memory. Also please make sure you check the Georgia requirements for drones as well. Thanks

[@amitgopeenauth6000]

Do you need an LOC everytime you travel back with it?

[@lukeharwell3694]

If I do not have the DCAA but I have the LOC can I still travel through dubai with my drone?

[@geekwandering]

yes you can travel, LOC is for customs to bring the drone into the country

[@Danielteo182]

Great video, I’m planing on going to Bali with a 3 day stop in Dubai. I understand from your video I require a LOC to get through the airport with the drone. Do I carry the drone in my main luggage or carry on ? I know the batteries will need to be carry on. Do I declare it at the desk or only show the letter if it is seen ? I don’t plan to fly in Dubai.

[@geekwandering]

I generally carry the drone in the carry on , but I have heard that some airlines do no allow it in the carry on , check the rules with the airline. I only show the letter if asked

[@amitgopeenauth6000]

Hey does this apply to the

[@geekwandering]

Yes it applies to all drones

[@jiexifan3573]

Is there a minimum age for registering drone and becoming a hobbyist drone pilot?

[@geekwandering]

Hi, this is something I am struggling to get the exact answer for, in legislation it mentions age only one time which is 21, however I have seen some comments that it will allow to start the registration process online for ages 15 and above. I would say give it a try and see if you can register the drone online if you over 15 and see what happens. However please note that all personal non-commercial drone activities are still suspended until further notice.

[@JGomez87uk]

Im going on holiday from UK to Mauritius and then onto Dubai. I plan to use my drone in Mauritius but not fly it in Dubai at all. Would I still need to get both licences just to bring it into Dubai with no intention to fly it?

[@geekwandering]

Hi , you will need the LOC only as this is required to bring the drone into the UAE through the customs

[@JGomez87uk]

@geekwandering thank you so much!! Well done one the video! Very informative!

[@sauyeed9]

I'm doing the exact same holiday! Did you transit through Dubai from UK and did you have any problems with the drone? @@JGomez87uk

[@RishiKumar]

I live in dubai, not resident, just work here. My brother wants the drone who lives in other country. I can buy from here and give it to my brother. What documents and process i need for this only. I am not going to fly anywhere in UAE

[@geekwandering]

you can buy a drone and take it out of the country without any docs, just make sure you can import it into the destination country

[@dronetheworld4k67]

The sad part is even if u register ur drone u need to get a second permit and a permit for the day of flying !... U cant fly even if u register the drone which is free from the aviation autbority.

[@geekwandering]

all drone flights is currently banned in UAE, so you cant fly the drone. you don't need daily flying permit in UAE for recreational flights

[@dronetheworld4k67]

@geekwandering alright but I worked as a freelance few days ago and drone flight was permitted upon obtaining permit This ban is a bit confusing !...

[@geekwandering]

If this is for commercial job the different rules apply, I am not too familiar with them . But I know they sometimes may depend on company/person applying, purpose of the job etc .

[@mcewan-media]

I was looking at the mavic pro mini, it's under the 150grams. Any idea? Apart from registration

[@geekwandering]

i think mavic pro mini is 249g, but the same rules apply in UAE as for the larger drones, and still cant fly it in UAE right now. But generally yes in many countries drones under 250g have relaxed rules, so if you considering travelling with it pro mini is a good choice

[@arnarnyuuu]

​@@geekwanderinghello. We are here in abu dhabi and planning to buy dji mini 2 se which is 249g and it says no registration needed. We are planning to buy it for our Philippines vacation. Is there any conflict about bringing it back to uae without Loc? Your response is much appreciated. Thank you

[@geekwandering]

@@arnarnyuuu HI where does it says that no registration needed? as far as I can see on the government website it points to all drones must be registered. I have Mavic Mini 3 Pro which is 249g and was asked to show LOC at Abu Dhabi airport.

[@arnarnyuuu]

@@geekwandering hmm. from the seller. idk if its true. or maybe they just want sales.

[@geekwandering]

I am not sure where the seller is getting the information from but as mentioned I have Mavic Mini 3 Pro which is 249g and was asked to show LOC at Abu Dhabi airport.

[@user-gw2un8sl6t]

Hi Sir, I got the followiing Online certificate in MOIAT website after paying 201 dhs, "Drone LOC certificate", GCAA Certificate" & "Drone Label Certificate". So I will just download and print it and is enough to give in Abu dhabi custom?or Do I need to collect the original from MOIAT office ?

[@geekwandering]

for customs all you need is the printed copy of LOC.my recommendation is print all 3 docs and keep them in your drone bag. no need to go to MOIT

[@user-gw2un8sl6t]

@@geekwandering thanks a lot Sir....

[@guillemgf4285]

Hello, is it possible to fly a drone now in UAE? Thanks

[@geekwandering]

NO, please see www.dcaa.gov.ae/services/aviation-safety-operations/drone-non-commercial-purpose

[@user-lt9gt7dk7l]

Do I still need these if I am going out on the right side of Dubai far from city at least 1 hour drive far away to fly drone?

[@geekwandering]

yes this rules are applicable to the whole country and relevant registration are required no matter where you are in the country. However please be aware that currently there is full ban on flying drones anywhere in UAE and if you caught breaking this ban you will be subject to a large financial fines and imprisonment, so no flying drones in UAE until further notice

[@user-lt9gt7dk7l]

@@geekwandering really still? I saw a video from last year March and still they are restricting it? Where can I see this article in an official page and when can I have myself updated to see if they unban this policy?

[@geekwandering]

here is the article from last year www.thenationalnews.com/uae/transport/2022/02/21/uae-extends-aerial-drone-ban-until-further-notice/?outputType=amp if you have your drone registered in UAE you get updates from MOI, last one I got was on March 19th 2023 stating "Note that “All flying operations for owners, practitioners and hobbyists of drones are banned until further notice”." Unfortunately can add screenshot here. once it is lifted I assume there will be a publication on moiat.gov.ae and also in local newspapers like www.thenationalnews.com

[@user-lt9gt7dk7l]

@@geekwandering I see okay thank you so the info I appreciate it:) It's safer to not fly a drone in the dessert where there are no one thinking that I will not get caught cuz if I do I need to pay like a 100,000 dirham fine and go to jail right

[@geekwandering]

yep that's correct, I would not risk it

[@w.sekkar3421]

Hello .. i am traveling from lebanon to dubai in a month .. im a drone operator here in lebanon .. can i take my drone with me ? Or it will be stopped at the airport ? .. if i can take it with me i can make all the papers needed and not fly it untill the ban is removed .. but i wont take a risk to take it with me if it will be stopped at the airport

[@geekwandering]

You need drone LOC (letter of conformity) which is required by customs to bring the drone to UAE , you can apply for it on moiat(dot)gov(dot)ae and the steps for applying are in the video. The cost is about 200 AED from memory.

[@FlyingwithAli]

I will be in Lebanon in a few weeks and want to bring my drone. What paperwork do I need?

[@TomMPhelps]

I'm Confused. Am I able to fly a drone just with the original documents or is the license a must before being able to fly?

[@geekwandering]

If you referring to UAE, currently you are NOT allowed to fly a drone no matter what. banket ban on all flying activities until further notice.

[@TomMPhelps]

@@geekwandering nowhere at all on the UAE? And I'm going to be out there each month for work soon so it'd be good to know for future reference once the ban is lifted anyway

[@geekwandering]

@@TomMPhelps yes nowhere in UAE current statement from MOIAT "Kindly note that “All flying operations for owners, practitioners and hobbyists of drones are banned until further notice”." keep an eye out on local newspapers like national or gulfnews and on moiat website. I will also post an update on this channel once the ban is lifted. I am waiting to get back to desert with the drones :)

[@TomMPhelps]

@@geekwandering OK, thanks man. Much appreciated. One last thing though, once it is lifted, do I need to get a license to fly for personal use or is registration all I need?

[@geekwandering]

@TomMPhelps once you register with GCAA through the MOIAT website you get two certificates one is LOC (to bring the drone into the country through the customs ) and another one which allows you to fly in 6 emirates except Dubai to fly in Dubai you need to get the flying license and then register with DCAA

[@virs1738]

How long will the ban on drones be?

[@geekwandering]

I don't know unfortunately.

[@mohammedsaidnasseralabduls937]

Hi Sir, I have applied for this from now and I am entering Abu Dhabi on the 14th of April. I am afraid that the certificate will expire?

[@geekwandering]

LOC will not expire, but please note that currently you are not allowed to operate drones in UAE for recreational use

[@mohammedsaidnasseralabduls937]

Even In Abudhabi?

[@geekwandering]

everywhere in UAE recreational drone operations are not allowed

[@mohammedsaidnasseralabduls937]

But I have received only two letters. When the drone will be allowed, will they send me the third one؟

[@geekwandering]

Hi , I am assuming you received the registration document and the LOC document, what third document are you referring to?

[@virs1738]

Hello is the ban on drones lifted?

[@geekwandering]

Hi, the ban on flying drones in UAE is is in place , so no flying allowed

[@christinjosephpolackal1168]

Can fly kids drone? Can anyone tell me?

[@mohammedsaidnasseralabduls937]

WITHOUT A CAMERA IT IS FINE

[@virs1738]

if my cousing is 15 can he apply to fly fly a drone?

[@geekwandering]

Hi , in my understanding you need to be 21 in order to register a drone

[@virs1738]

Alright thank you this helped me a lot@@geekwandering

[@virs1738]

Also, on the website it says you need to be atleast 15 years old, they should say 21 because it gets confusing

[@geekwandering]

can you please let me know on which website please? I will take a look

[@virs1738]

Of course. It was on the GCCA website, it said: "you must be at least 15 years old to enter your age".@@geekwandering

[@dronetheworld4k67]

I brought my drone normally to the uae through airport of abu dhabi no one even talked to me !...

[@geekwandering]

well its like saying i was speeding and did not get a ticket. You got lucky and they missed it. But the law is clear next time you may not be that lucky

[@dronetheworld4k67]

@geekwandering with all due respect I dint think it's the case, which airport u went through, I went through the UAE at least 3 times with drones in my language never ever was I stopped, was it in ur carry bag ??.....

[@geekwandering]

I live in Abu Dhabi and go through Abu Dhabi airport on average about 3 times a month in 90% of the cases they will ask for LOC in 10% they just let it through. Bu I also had my drone held by the customs as well until I got the LOC for it

[@geekwandering]

Yes always the drone is in carry on

[@dronetheworld4k67]

@geekwandering well I guess we just decoded the DaVinci rhythm 🙃 Why don't u have ur drone in ur lagguage instead?... I don't mean to be rude but most comments here got misinformed they thought bringing a drone to the UAE will always get it held even if it was in their lagguage with their clothes etc...

[@user-gw2un8sl6t]

Hi Sir, is drone flying for hobbist still banned in UAE?

[@geekwandering]

yes, www.dcaa.gov.ae/services/aviation-safety-operations/drone-non-commercial-purpose

[@ExploreLimitless]

Hi, this was a very helpful video. Thank you! So if my drone is seized by the customs if I enter UAE as a tourist, the customs will return it back when I leave the country?

[@geekwandering]

HI, thank you. Yes that's what customs officer told me when my drone was taken. However there are two points you need to be aware of you must exit the country within 28 or 30 days (cant remember exactly) as afterwards the drone will be permanently confiscated and you need to exit the country through the same point as you entered. also please note that flying drones in UAE is currently prohibited so if you only going to UAE then you probably should not bring it with you

[@ExploreLimitless]

@@geekwandering That's very helpful! Thanks a ton! I am transiting via Abu Dhabi so just needed to know if I will get my drone back or not.