Dubai’s Ruler Issues New Law On Aviation Safety

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Dubai’s ruler and the UAE’s VP and PM has issued a new law to improve aviation safety in the emirate, official news agency WAM reported.

Under the law, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has been tasked with supervising and approving all security and safety procedures within the sector.

The authority has the authority to inspect and monitor all civil aviation activities and workers, and define any acts that constitute risk on aviation facilities, air operations, airplanes, passengers and air traffic.

The new law also states that civil aviation workers in Dubai must obtain an annual permit from DCAA.

It aims to enhance safety and security measures in Dubai’s airspace and will also regulate the usage of laser, fireworks, light beams and drones in the city, the report said.

Those found violating any aspect of the law will be faced with penalties and fines, it added.

In January this year, unauthorised drones in Dubai’s airspace temporarily halted air traffic for 55 minutes.

Following the incident, the UAE’s aviation watchdog General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced that it will issue new regulations regarding the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones.

In March, Abu Dhabi announced that it is halting all sale and purchase of drones until proper regulations governing their use are in place.

The UAE currently uses drones for official purposes such as to deliver documents and packages to its citizens as part of its efforts to upgrade government services.