Drones in Dubai – drone ban

Can you fly a drone in Dubai?

Let's start with the most important question: can tourists fly drones in Dubai in 2025? The answer is: basically no. Both Dubai and the entire United Arab Emirates have introduced very strict regulations on the use of drones, especially for recreational purposes. Since January 2022, recreational flights by private individuals, including tourists and temporary visitors to the city, have been banned.

This ban was introduced after several serious safety incidents, including unauthorized flights over protected areas and privacy violations. Currently, drone flying is mainly possible for UAE citizens and residents who have an Emirates ID and meet a number of requirements, such as registering the device and obtaining the appropriate licenses. The entire procedure is complicated and difficult for the average tourist to complete.

For foreign travelers, this means that flying a drone in Dubai on your own is prohibited. Even if you have experience flying drones in your own country, not having the appropriate permits in Dubai can lead to serious legal consequences. Instead, consider other options such as professional photo shoots by licensed companies or helicopter flights that allow you to enjoy the city from a bird's eye view.

Want to find out what regulations apply in Dubai? Check out our other article: What restrictions apply in Dubai?

Drone regulations in Dubai

Knowing the rules and regulations for using drones in Dubai is essential to avoid legal problems. In the United Arab Emirates, drone-related issues are regulated by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and in Dubai itself, additional supervision is provided by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA). Here are the most important drone flight restrictions in the United Arab Emirates and the rules that will apply in 2025:

• Drone registration: Every drone equipped with a camera must be registered via the DCAA platform. However, registration is only available to UAE citizens and permanent residents, who must provide their Emirates ID number. Tourists cannot register without this document.
• Pilot license: Legal operation of a drone requires a license, which involves theoretical and practical training and passing an exam. The certificate, known as the “No Objection Certificate” (NOC), is issued by the DCAA mainly to residents.
• Recreational flight ban: Private use of drones, including by tourists, is prohibited. The exception is licensed commercial companies, which may apply for a permit after meeting strict requirements, including the submission of a risk assessment and valid liability insurance.
• No-fly zones: There are many areas in Dubai where flying drones is prohibited, including near airports (e.g., Dubai International Airport – DXB), government buildings, military facilities, residential areas, beaches, and shopping centers. Even licensed operators must obtain separate permits to fly in such areas.
• Altitude restrictions: Drone flights must be conducted at limited altitudes, typically not exceeding 122 meters (400 feet), although exact limits depend on specific DCAA guidelines.
• Privacy protection: Recording or photographing people without their consent is prohibited. UAE regulations place a strong emphasis on protecting the privacy and safety of residents.
• Insurance requirement: Commercial operators must have a valid liability insurance policy covering the consequences of any damage.

The applicable regulations were tightened following serious incidents such as the drone attack on Abu Dhabi airport in 2022, which highlighted the threats to national security. Therefore, the safe and legal use of drones in Dubai requires strict compliance with regulations and obtaining the appropriate permits, which is practically impossible for tourists.

Where can you use drones in Dubai?

Another important question is: where can you fly a drone in Dubai? Unfortunately, the answer for tourists is clear – nowhere without special permission. Due to the ban on recreational flights, private individuals are not allowed to legally use drones in Dubai. Even if someone obtains the appropriate permit, flights are severely restricted by numerous no-fly zones, including:

• the vicinity of airports such as Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC),
• government districts, including the area around the sheikh's palace,
• areas with high population density, such as Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, the vicinity of Burj Khalifa and Jumeirah Beach,
• strategic facilities such as ports, power plants and military bases.

As for flying drones in the United Arab Emirates, there are designated flight zones, usually located in desert areas on the outskirts of Dubai or Abu Dhabi. However, access to these zones is mainly restricted to certified operators who have permits from the GCAA or DCAA. The procedure for obtaining a permit includes mandatory submission of a flight plan, conducting a risk assessment, and complying with strict regulations, which is almost impossible for the average tourist.

If you want to capture the extraordinary views of Dubai from a bird's eye view, the best solution is to use the services of licensed companies that offer professional photo shoots or organize helicopter flights. These options are legal, safe, and allow you to enjoy the city's panorama without getting into legal trouble. Alternatively, you can admire Dubai from popular viewing terraces such as Burj Khalifa or The View at The Palm.

Ignoring drone regulations in Dubai can have serious consequences. What are the penalties for flying a drone without the proper permits? Local authorities take a very restrictive approach to these issues, and possible sanctions include:

• Confiscation of the drone: In the best case scenario, the equipment will be seized by customs at the airport or during a check in the city. It is usually impossible to get a confiscated drone back.
• Heavy fines: Fines for illegal drone use can reach several thousand dirhams, which translates into several thousand dollars.
• Criminal liability: For more serious violations, such as flying in restricted areas (e.g., near airports or strategic facilities) or violating someone's privacy, arrest, prosecution, and even deportation may result.
• Re-entry ban: Violators may be banned from entering the UAE in the future, which may make subsequent visits to the country difficult.

How to ensure safe drone flying in Dubai?

Legal and safe drone flying in Dubai is only possible for licensed operators with the appropriate permits. If you are a professional and have a chance of obtaining permission to fly (which is very difficult for tourists), there are a few rules to keep in mind:

• Keep up to date with the regulations: Before each flight, check the latest regulations on the GCAA website or contact the DCAA – regulations are subject to change.
• Register your drone: Your equipment must be registered on the DCAA platform and meet technical requirements such as identification markings and the required certificates.
• Obtain the required permits: Each flight must be reported to and approved by the DCAA – the flight plan should include the route, weather conditions, and avoid no-fly zones.
• Purchase insurance: Commercial operators must have liability insurance that covers any damage caused during the flight.
• Respect privacy: Photographing or filming people and private property without the owners' consent is prohibited.

For tourists, the safest option is not to take a drone to Dubai. Instead, you can use legal alternatives:

• Sightseeing flights: Helicopter tours over Dubai offer spectacular views and are fully compliant with regulations.
• Professional photo shoots: Licensed companies can take aerial photos in accordance with applicable law.
• Viewing platforms: Places such as Burj Khalifa and Ain Dubai offer beautiful panoramic views of the city without the need for a drone.

Before traveling to Dubai, be sure to check out the accommodation options on the Two Continents website.

Questions and answers

1. What are the rules for using drones in Dubai?

In Dubai, the use of drones is strictly regulated by the GCAA and DCAA. Tourists are not allowed to fly drones for recreational purposes, and all drones must be registered, while operators must have the appropriate license and obtain a flight permit. Flying is prohibited in places such as airports, government zones, and densely populated areas. Violation of these regulations may result in confiscation of equipment, heavy fines, or criminal liability. Legal drone flights in Dubai are only available to licensed UAE residents after all formal requirements have been met.

2. Can drones be used on the beach in Dubai?

Flying drones over beaches in Dubai, including the popular Jumeirah Beach, is prohibited without special permission from the DCAA, as these are public spaces where recreational flights are prohibited. To legally use a drone on the beach, you need a license and official permission, which is practically unattainable for tourists.

3. Where can you legally fly a drone in Dubai?

In Dubai, the legal use of drones is only possible in specially designated areas, usually located on the outskirts of the city, for example in desert areas. However, flying in these areas requires a permit from the DCAA and is mainly intended for UAE residents with the appropriate license. What is the situation in the United Arab Emirates as a whole? Tourists have very limited access to such zones as they are prohibited from flying for recreational purposes.