The UAE Ministry of Interior has prolonged its decision to halt all light sports activities and drone activities. The decision, reached in collaboration with the General Authority for Civil Aviation, is in effect “until further notice” for owners, practitioners, and enthusiasts.

Last month this decision was made by the authorities after spotting the “misuse of drones, not limiting the practice of these sports to the areas identified in the user permits and trespassing into areas where these types of activities are prohibited”.

Residents were cautioned by the ministry that failure to comply with the order might result in an AED 100,000 fine and perhaps jail. According to the ministry, the laws governing the use of drones are being examined and changed.

Companies with contracts or commercial/advertising projects that rely on drone cinematography must contact the permit authorities to get the relevant exclusions and permissions.