Drone Photography Rules in Dubai

 

Drones are widely used in Dubai to capture the beauty of famous places. There are numerous reasons for flying a drone in a particular area; the most notable ones are capturing scenic landscapes and using it for commercial purposes. However, for drone photography in Dubai, specific guidelines must be followed because of cultural sensitivity, security, and privacy concerns. You must get permission or a license to shoot drone photography in Dubai, and avoid going near non-designated areas. If you are planning to visit Dubai for drone photography, refer to this article for a detailed understanding of the rules and guidelines outlined in Dubai Law, which will help you avoid any potential violations and penalties in the future. 

Rules and Regulations of Drone Photography in Dubai 

Drone photography in Dubai is legal in the approved areas, where you are permitted to do it with specific terms and conditions. However, drone photography can be illegal in a sensitive location, and violating the rules may result in serious repercussions. Read the provisions given below to gain awareness and detailed knowledge about the drone photography rules in Dubai. 
 

1. In areas regulated by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), drones are allowed only if you have completed certified drone training from an academy approved by the GCAA. 
    
2. You need to apply for a permit from the Government to use a drone for photography, filming, and marketing purposes in Dubai's famous and attractive locations. 
    
3. You can apply for the permit from the Dubai Civil Authority Website under various categories, such as flying drones during an event, advertising purposes, etc. 
    
4. There are green zones or "UAS flying zones," which are approved designated areas for drone use. You can fly drones weighing 5 kg or less in these areas. 
    
5. You can also download the "UAE My Drone Hub app", which informs you whether you are allowed to capture photos or videos via drones in a particular location. This app helps you avoid violating drone photography rules. 
    
6. Once you get the registration certificate from GCAA, before flying the drone, you are also required to get an operational approval. 
    
7. People flying drones for commercial purposes are required to follow more guidelines than those using personal drones for leisure photography activities. 
    
8. In Dubai, flying drones or taking drone photos is restricted in several sensitive places. These places include government buildings, critical military locations, airports, crowded areas, and religious sites. 
    
9. Officials will charge fines or penalties for violations of drone photography rules, such as entering or using drones for photography in a restricted area. The punishment can be imprisonment for more than one year and a fine of around 500 Dirhams, depending on the severity of the violation. 
    
10. You may not be permitted to fly your drones above 400 feet to click pictures, make videos, or perform activities beyond this limit. Permission to fly your drones for photography is mostly given during the daytime. 
     

Who Gives the Permit For Drone Photography in Dubai? 

Depending on the location where you are filming, various officials will give you permits to do drone photography in Dubai. The central body issuing permits for drone photography is the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The Dubai Municipality gives location-wise issuance of a license for drone photography to capture mindblowing deserts, beaches, and parks. The approval of the Ministry of Culture is also needed to fly the drones and record cultural sites. If you want to film or take a photo of amazing architecture on private property with a drone, you may need the approval of the owners. 
 

Tips for Remarkable Drone Photography in Dubai
 

• Understand the Rules: To take full advantage of Dubai's amazing, picturesque landscapes, you can capture them in photos using a drone. However, always refer to the policies and guidelines mentioned by the authority to avoid any unwanted confrontation and make the photography process smooth. 
   
• Select Ideal Locations: Before you fly your drone, decide on the popular locations where you can get amazing shots. Some well-known ones are Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, Dubai Fountain, Ain Dubai, and many more. 
   
• Choose Perfect Timing: To get mindblowing clicks, you can choose either dusk or dawn to capture and experience different colors of nature. When you fly your drone for photography or recording a film, this time would be perfect for tourists as well as locals to make your drone photography heavenly.
   
• Prior Checking: Before you fly your drones in the sky of Dubai, check all the angles, focus, and features of the drone to get the perfect required shot at once.
   
• Storytelling: When you use the drone to click pictures of people and places in Dubai from a wider angle, make sure that every picture or video has a memorable story to share. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 

1. Is there any minimum age limit to fly a drone and take photographs?

Yes, 21 is the minimum age required to fly drones that weigh more than 21 kg. If you are flying drones for various other purposes, then you should contact the government agent to understand your eligibility.
 

2. Who should we enquire about drone photography in Dubai?
 

To inquire about drone photography in Dubai, you can contact the GCAA Aircraft Registry Unit by email or phone. The email address (drones@gcaa.gov.ae)  and phone number might be given on the official website of the Government of Dubai.
 

3. How can we know the designated area for drone photography in Dubai?

You can easily check the permitted areas for drone photography in Dubai in various ways, such as by downloading the "My Drone Hub" app or the "Fly Zone Map online."
 

4. Is there any program for drone photography in Dubai?

Yes, the Dubai government has an initiative called "Dubai Sky Dome," which is implemented by the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation. To know in detail about this project, you can refer to the official website.
 

5. How do you get a permit for drone photography in Dubai?

You can apply for the permit or NOC online by visiting the Dubai Civil Aviation website and checking eligibility and the required documents needed to issue the license.