Drone License Dubai Approval: Everything You Need To Know
The introduction of drones has created a new range of possibilities. Until the invention, no one realized its uses. The drones are now used in every area. From weddings to advertisements, the usage of flying a drone became a standard. The footage from the drone gives a wide aerial view. In most of the scenic shots, they add a drone shot. The basic idea of establishing a scene is through a wide shot. This allows you to understand the location. What is happening where is conveyed through it. Most people think it is the ideal shot. Adding it everywhere just for the look of it.
The popular use of drones has made the government take a few steps in handling it. There are public and private properties that have to be considered. Some locations allow flying drones over them. Small things like this can lead to big trouble. Many laws can be violated when flying a drone through regulated areas. The government can take serious action against you. Letting yourself aware of the drone license in Dubai is essential.
Drone License: Dubai
In Dubai, following a major set of rules for flying drones is mandatory. For the purpose of safety and security, these rules are in action. The rule includes a license for taking footage and pictures with drones. Is it necessary? Yes. The Dubai government made strict amendments to follow the regulations. GCAA which stands for General Civil Aviation Authority. They are responsible for getting you a license. This is the aviation ministry. The field of air navigation is administered. The approval from the government body will make you eligible to use any kind of drone.
The license was again updated in 2025 because of the excessive number of violations. This can be stopped by implementing stricter laws. They are promoting the activity of photography, mapping and gathering data. However, the usage of drones exceeding this limit is increasing. The GCAA has decided to make a bigger fine for breaking the law. These rules are implemented because they could welcome innovations securely.
Steps in applying for a Drone License in Dubai
Step 1: Registration ProcessBefore going to the GCAA, you need to register the drone in DCAA (Dubai Civil Aviation Authority). Registering requires the name of the company which you are commercially using. Then valid documents ensure the identity with passports and visa. Then comes the provision of information about the model of the drone and a photograph.
Step 2: A No-Objection Certificate ApprovalThe application requires you to give the drone’s RPAS registration. The model numbers with other documentation should be submitted. A request letter for approval is necessary. You can apply for it in the official government portal with a trade license of the company.
Step 3: Operator LicensingThe government needs to check whether the drone is handled by an expert. If not, you should attend a certified program in flying a commercial drone. This would help you identify different zones in Dubai. There are no-fly zones. After the license, you can fly through them. Mainly comprised of stadiums, airports, military bases and factories. The basic idea of anyone flying above these places is restricted.
Step 4: Additional PermitsYou can opt for permission that is useful for the company. Mapping is regulated to a certain extent. Adding a lot of other permits would cost a lot. But for regular commercial purposes, a drone permit is all that is necessary. After adding any other permits needed the application is sent to the authority. It takes two weeks to move to the next step after a general review.
What implemented the Drone License in Dubai?
The license was made into law when a normal drone was seen flying back and forth above the airport. It was reported that it was a recreational drone used for taking footage of the airport. Those were random drones above the place for no serious purpose. But for precaution, they need to amend strict rules to restrict the activity. They couldn’t find the source of it. So the suspicion of a spy became a necessity.
The law put forward by the government simplifies the use of drones with a permit. You can apply for a permit with the steps discussed earlier. The above application deals with commercial specifications. If the drone footage is used for filming, you need to get permission from the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC). There are a number of zones in Dubai and getting an idea of it would not put you at risk. Contacting DCAA directly for assistance is ideal in a situation of doubt.
Recreational Drones are different from Commercial drones. Both of them are different from drones used for filming. The variety of applications to it meets different purposes. And all of them need separate licenses. A recreational drone cannot be used to film huge landscapes without a permit. Neglecting the law would lead to huge penalties and fines. The violation will lead to cancellation of license and pressing charges.
ConclusionIn this day and age, the use of drones has affected the industry by giving an image. The images showing big towering buildings in Dubai are shot with easy-to-carry drones. It can capture the vast city flying around to encapsulate an outlandish vision. But this luxury comes with its own regulations. More than regulation these are safeguards. It makes amends with privacy. It is better to have a license and know what is right and wrong. The benefit of getting a license will educate you about the city. The city is securing everyone's privacy which you need to consider.