The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced that it will issue regulations for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) within a few days to ensure aviation safety and smooth air traffic.
In a statement, Director-General of GCAA, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, said that the regulatory body formed a special national committee in 2013 to conduct a comprehensive survey and draft the relevant detailed regulations and legislations for the unmanned aerial systems.
He added that the regulation will prevent the use of the country's airspace without a prior permit from the GCAA and coordination with the air traffic authorities.
The new regulations will ban the use of UAVs near airports, residential areas and public facilities and properties as well as banned places.
The GCAA official noted that the regulations will be based on weight and type of operators, including clubs and private users, to ensure control of our airspace. The regulations will also cover the commercial and corporate use of the unmanned systems.
Al Suwaidi urged all members of the society to abide by the new regulations, avoid violations and abstain from using UAVs in wrong ways that might affect the safety and security of aviation, individuals and facilities.