Ministry of Interior (MoI) has ordered all flying operations by owners, practitioners and enthusiasts of drones be stopped. This includes light sports aircraft as well.
According to the MoI this guideline was put in place in coordination with the General Authority for Civil Aviation. “The decision came after the misuse spotted recently, not limiting the practice of these sports to the areas identified in the user permits and trespassing into areas where these types of activities are prohibited,” said the release.
The MOI asked individuals and the community to respect the authority’s directives in order to ensure the safety of lives and property. Air activities have been suspended as of Saturday, January 22.
The order was issued following the recent deadly attack in Abu Dhabi in which three people were killed by Yemen-backed Houthis using drones.
Entities that have work contracts or are shooting commercial or advertising projects that rely on filming using drones, must communicate with the permit authorities to take the necessary exceptions and permits.
MoI reminded users that anyone performing these activities during the ban period and disregarding guidelines will be subject to legal liabilities.
According to a local news report, those violating the rule can be fined up to AED50,000 or jailed for a year, or both, under Article 69 of the General Civil Aviation Authority.
