Dubai introduces fines of up to $5,445 for illegal drone use

Non registered drone use in Dubai will result in a fine of up to Dhs20,000 ($5,445) under a new resolution approved by Dubai’s Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum.

The new measures come following a series of incidents involving drones at Dubai International Airport last year resulting in flight delays and diversions and heavy costs for airlines.

Read: Emirates calls for action after “millions of dirhams” lost due to Dubai drone disruption

Under the resolution, anyone seeking to perform an aviation activity in the emirate will need to get an annual licence from Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.

New fees and fines of between Dhs2,000 and Dhs20,000 will be applied for non registered drone use for commercial activities and Dhs1,000 to Dhs20,000 for other activities.

Using drones during events without a no-objection letter from the authority can result in a fine of Dhs10,000.

Other fines include Dhs5,000 for those carrying out aviation activities, including fireworks, laser displays, aerial photography, advertising, balloon launches and air lights, without a licence or no objection letter.

Establishing a warehouse to store dangerous goods in an aviation easement area will be subject to a Dhs10,000 fine.

A lack of aircraft warning lights and conducting aviation sector activity without the authority’s conditions will carry fines of between Dhs5,000 to Dhs10,000.

In addition, those that fail to renew their licence following its expiry without an acceptable accuse will be fined 10 per cent of the fee every month.

Last year, the UAE’s aviation authority said it had introduced new measures to minimise drone disruption at airports.

Read: UAE aviation authority says drone disruption minimised in recent incident