Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) has become the first organisation in the UAE to receive the U-Space Service Provider (USSP) certificate from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), marking a major milestone in the country’s regulation and management of unmanned aircraft systems.
The certification follows the GCAA’s introduction earlier this year of national regulations for approving UAS service providers, signalling the UAE’s readiness to implement a structured framework for drone operations. The move aims to support innovation in air mobility while ensuring safety and efficiency in line with global standards.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, said the certification represents a key step in putting the national UAS regulation into practice and reflects the authority’s commitment to maintaining operational excellence. He praised dans for its technical capability and collaboration throughout the rigorous approval process.
Ibrahim Ahli, CEO of dans, described the certification as a milestone achievement resulting from months of close coordination with the GCAA. He said the recognition aligns with the organisation’s focus on future airspace management and the integration of unmanned traffic systems.
To support the regulation’s practical application, dans partnered with Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects and ANRA Technologies to create a platform for managing drone traffic. The system integrates radar, weather data, and aeronautical information to enable immediate flight approvals, enhance conflict detection, and prepare for future urban air mobility operations.
The achievement highlights the UAE’s growing digital infrastructure and its ambition to lead in smart air mobility, paving the way for secure and efficient U-space airspace across the nation.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
