
UAE Introduces Drone Navigation Rules
The number of drone operators in the UAE is expected to double in the coming years and authorities have laid out plans for navigation and airspace rules in the country.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has introduced the region's first national regulation for the certification of air navigation service providers for unmanned aircraft, known as CAR Airspace Part Uspace.
This regulation sets a comprehensive framework for organisations seeking to provide air navigation services for drones, ensuring they meet strict operational and safety requirements.
UAE drone operators
Designed with a holistic approach, the new regulation covers every critical aspect of certifying drone air navigation service provider, including:
Contracting
Training
Quality assurance
Safety
Future planning
Auditing
Certification
The goal is to seamlessly integrate drone operations into the existing aviation ecosystem, ensuring a cohesive, efficient, and safe airspace through licensed entities that provide specialised air navigation services for drones.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, emphasised the significance of this milestone, adding: 'This regulation is not just about compliance; it is a testament to our commitment to safety, efficiency, and innovation in aviation.
'As drone operations are set to double in the near future, this proactive regulatory framework will serve as a model for seamless drone-commercial aviation integration, further cementing the UAE's position as a regional leader in the aviation industry'.
Aqeel Ahmed Al Zarouni, Assistant Director-General of Aviation Safety Affairs, emphasised that the regulation is key to safely integrating advanced drone technologies into UAE airspace.
By setting clear certification standards, it ensures high safety and professionalism while supporting industry growth and strengthening the UAE's position as a regional leader in innovative aviation practices.
With the rapid evolution of drone technology, airspace demand for unmanned aircraft is increasing unprecedentedly.
In the coming years, the number of drone operations across the UAE is expected to double, driven by technological advancements and a growing reliance on autonomous aerial systems.
Also read: UAE Among Top 17 Countries Setting New Dividend Records in 2024
Source Arabian Business
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Trade Arabia
7 days ago
- Trade Arabia
Emirates to reintroduce Damascus services from July 16
Emirates is set to reintroduce flights to Damascus from July 16 (subject to government approvals), following a comprehensive evaluation in conjunction with the UAE GCAA. Operations were suspended to the Syrian capital in 2012. The airline will initially start with three weekly services on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, with plans to expand to four weekly flights from August 2 with an additional flight on Saturday. Emirates will expand its Damascus services to daily operations, effective October 26. Emirates' services to Damascus will operate with a 302-seater Boeing 777-200LR and is planned to depart Dubai as EK 913 at 1200hrs, arriving in Damascus International Airport at 1410hrs local time. The return flight, EK 914 will depart Damascus at 1630hrs, arriving in Dubai at 2030hrs local time. The flights will open up new opportunities for travellers to conveniently connect to and from the airline's network of nearly 150 destinations and will support the UAE's efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and support Syrian aspirations to rebuild and attract foreign investment across key sectors such as energy, construction and agriculture, the airline said. Emirates customers flying to and from Damascus will also benefit from the airline's codeshare partnership with flydubai, which will complement its flight schedule and provide more options and convenience when flying in and out of the Syrian capital. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: 'Emirates is pleased to restart operations to Damascus and support Syria's road ahead by providing better choice and connectivity, essential economic links for inwards investment as well as opening new trade lanes and global market access for the country. Re-establishing air travel and connectivity is also good news for our customers that make up the expansive Syrian diaspora across the Americas, Europe and the GCC, who are eager to fly back home and reconnect to their roots, and leverage their knowledge, skills, expertise and resources in ongoing development efforts. "We would like to thank the Syrian authorities for their support in strengthening connectivity between Dubai and Damascus and look forward to boosting links to and from the country through our regularly scheduled operations.' The UAE and Syria's trade volumes reached $680 million (AED2.5 billion) in 2024, a 23% increase over the previous year, and the new flights will further stimulate vital trade ties. The UAE's thriving Syrian community of over 350,000 nationals have played an integral role in the UAE's prosperity, contributing through entrepreneurial ventures and skilled expertise while further enriching the country's vibrant cultural tapestry, it said. -TradeArabia News Service


Trade Arabia
22-05-2025
- Trade Arabia
flydubai resumes flights to Damascus
flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has announced today the start of direct flights to Damascus from 01 June 2025. Flights to Damascus International Airport (DAM) will operate daily from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB). Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: 'we are very pleased to be the first national carrier to resume flights to Syria after 12 years of halted operations. Damascus holds a special cultural and historical significance within the region and we are excited to serve the city again with a direct daily service, highlighting our commitment to supporting the United Arab Emirates' efforts to foster regional connectivity.' Damascus was one of the carrier's first destinations with flights commencing nearly 16 years ago in June 2009. flydubai's decision to restart its operations to Damascus comes after the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)'s announcement to resume flights between the two countries earlier this year in April. Jeyhun Efendi, Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, said: 'the relaunch of flights to Damascus will enable passengers from the UAE and around the network to enjoy convenient travel options to the market. After working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that all necessary operational standards have been met ahead of the relaunch, we look forward to welcoming passengers back on board again soon, just in time for the upcoming Eid Al Adha holiday and peak summer travel period.' -TradeArabia News Service


Trade Arabia
11-04-2025
- Trade Arabia
SolitAir secures air operator certificate in UAE
Dubai World Central-headquartered middle-mile air cargo operator SolitAir said it has officially received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The certification process, governed by UAE Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) Part V, Chapter 4, required SolitAir to meet stringent operational, safety and financial capability standards. The approval underscores SolitAir's commitment to maintaining the highest levels of air safety and regulatory compliance, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in the region's logistics and supply chain sector, said the statement. SolitAir also announced the addition of a fourth aircraft to its growing fleet. The cargo airline now operates three Boeing 737-800 BCF freighters – one of which is under a dry lease agreement and one 737-400 BCF, it stated.