What Are The New Regulations For Drones In Sharjah That Everyone Must Know?

Sharjah recently issued new regulations for the use, operations, and oversight of drones. Yes, as mentioned by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, who is the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for unmanned aerial vehicles. There is a sweeping framework which aims to strengthen aviation safety. Not to mention, this framework also aims to protect airspace security and ensure that there is a controlled and responsible use of drone technology.

Sharjah Announces Regulations For Drones

According to the law, there should be strict licensing, registration, operational, and enforcement requirements. This is for all the drone-related activities, which brings this sector under a unified regulatory system. It aligned with international aviation standards and best practices. As per the law, all the drones that are operating in Sharjah should comply with prior authorisation requirements. Not to mention, must also comply with designated airspace rules and safety controls, which aim to prevent any interference with civil and military aviation.

Drones Cannot Be Used Without Prior Approval

As mentioned by the Gulf News, the use of drones in Sharjah is prohibited without prior approval from the Sharjah Civil Aviation Department, under Article 6. So, permits are mandatory for a wide range of activities, which include:

• Government operation
• Commercial use
• Scientific and research purposes
• Recreational activities, hobbies, and sports
• Media and broadcasting activities
• Any activities to be determined by a decision of the chairman?

Not only this, but Article 7 also requires drone owners to register the aircraft either with the Sharjah Civil Aviation Department or the UAE Civil Aviation Authority before they begin the operation. These drones must carry identification marks, which include registration numbers or approved identifiers. Moreover, unregistered drones cannot be operated or tested.

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Prior Approval From Civil Aviation Department Is Required

Any activity, which is related to the design, manufacture, assembly, maintenance, modification, repair, inspection, simulation development or pilot training for drones in Sharjah cannot be performed without any prior approval from the Civil Aviation Department. This has been mentioned under Article 9. And under Article 13, drone flight paths and airspace usage are regulated. The airspace is divided into three categories of approved zones, restricted zones, and prohibited zones. These boundaries will be set on the basis of the population density, building heights, aviation, safety, consideration, and proximity to landing, so drone operations can only take place within the approved zones.

What Do Other Articles Mention?

Article 15 restricts drones from leaving the designated space during operations. Not to mention, it bans entry into the restricted or prohibited zones without their prior permission. While Article 16 prohibits drone operations of any kind, whether it’s testing in restricted or prohibited areas, unless there is prior authorisation. Article 17 mentions responsibilities for operators, pilots and observers.

Under Article 18, there is a detailed list of band activities without any prior approval or licensing, which includes everything from operating without safety certification to using drones beyond authorised purposes. Article 21 gives the Civil Aviation Department the authority to revoke or suspend permits and certificates before they expire. Article 26 gives individuals and stakeholders the right to appeal the decision within 30 days. And under Article 27, all owners and operators will have to regularise their status within three months of the law taking effect or when the existing licenses expire.

So, with this new set of frameworks in place, the fast-growing drone sector will be regulated much more thoroughly.

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