The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE has announced important changes to its drone registration process, declaring that all drone registration certificates issued before January 6, 2025, are now invalid.
As part of these updates, the authority has urged drone owners to submit a new application via the UAE Drones app to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.
This move comes as part of the government’s efforts to regulate and modernize the use of drones across the country, providing both safety and security for airspace management.
The GCAA’s announcement has generated attention from drone enthusiasts, professional operators, and photographers who have been actively involved in the growing drone culture in the UAE.
The new regulations require drone operators to use the UAE Drones app to register their drones and update their information. This app will not only facilitate registration but also monitor drone operations.
For those wishing to operate a drone, the GCAA has stipulated that drones must now be equipped with a remote identification system to help track their movements in real-time.
Additionally, operators must obtain a valid training certificate from a GCAA-accredited centre and submit a product status statement from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.
These requirements ensure that drone operations meet safety and regulatory standards. This update follows the recent easing of restrictions on drone usage in the UAE, which had been heavily regulated in previous years.
On January 7, 2025, the Ministry of Interior announced the partial lifting of a nationwide ban on individual drone use, which had been in place since 2022.
The easing of restrictions began in November 2023 and was welcomed by photography enthusiasts eager to resume drone-based photography.
However, the new rules do not apply in Dubai, where the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) confirmed that recreational drone use remains suspended in the city “until further notice.”
The lifting of the ban and the changes to registration rules signal the UAE’s commitment to adapting to the rapidly expanding drone industry while maintaining control over the safety of its airspace.
As drone technology continues to evolve and become an integral part of various industries, including media, agriculture, and logistics, the country is ensuring that operators meet strict compliance standards.
Operators and drone enthusiasts must act quickly to meet the updated registration requirements, as the old certificates are no longer valid.
Drone users are encouraged to consult the UAE Drones app for detailed information on how to complete their new registrations and ensure that they are fully compliant with all new rules.
While the GCAA has emphasized the importance of following these regulations, it also points out that Dubai remains an exception to the eased restrictions.
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has not yet lifted the recreational drone ban, meaning drone enthusiasts in the emirate will need to wait for further updates from local authorities.
As the UAE moves forward with these changes, drone enthusiasts and operators must ensure they are aligned with the new regulations to avoid penalties and continue enjoying their drone activities safely and legally.