UAE Sets Drone Service Fees Up to Dh10,000: Key Services Detailed

Maryam Pervez -

The UAE Cabinet has announced fees for a wide range of drone-related services, with costs varying between Dh200 and Dh10,000.

These fees, outlined in Cabinet Resolution No. 58, apply to 17 specific services, including the issuance and renewal of permits, registration certificates, and the establishment of drone-related facilities.

The resolution, published in the Official Gazette in June, specifies that these new fees will take effect 60 days after publication. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is responsible for implementing these fees, which will be collected through systems developed by the Ministry of Finance. Local authorities in each emirate will coordinate with the GCAA to provide the necessary services and enforce the fees.

Breakdown of Fees

  • Drone Registration Certificate (Entertainment):
    • Issuance: Dh200
    • Renewal (every two years): Dh200
  • Drone Registration Certificate (Event Organization):
    • Issuance: Calculated as aircraft weight (in kilograms) multiplied by the number of aircraft, multiplied by Dh20
  • Pilot Certificate:
    • Issuance: Dh100
    • Renewal (every five years): Dh100
  • Drone Operator Accreditation (Commercial, Government, Event Organization):
    • Issuance: Dh5,000
    • Annual Renewal: Dh5,000
  • Approved Aircraft Training Institution Certificate:
    • Issuance: Dh10,000
    • Annual Renewal: Dh10,000
  • Permit for Aircraft Manufacture, Design, or Maintenance:
    • Issuance: Dh10,000
    • Annual Renewal: Dh10,000
  • Approval for Establishing Drone Activity Facilities:
    • Issuance: Dh5,000
    • Annual Renewal: Dh5,000
  • Approval for Establishing Airstrips:
    • Issuance: Dh5,000
    • Annual Renewal: Dh5,000
  • Certificates for Safety Assessment Bodies:
    • Issuance: Dh5,000
    • Annual Renewal: Dh5,000
  • Safety Certificate:
    • Issuance: Dh1,000
    • Annual Renewal: Dh1,000
  • Approval for Establishing Fuel and Energy Supply Stations:
    • Issuance: Dh5,000
    • Annual Renewal: Dh5,000

The UAE Cabinet has retained the authority to amend these fees as needed, including potential adjustments to the fee structure. This follows a previous ban by the UAE’s Ministry of Interior in 2022 on the use of drones and light sports aircraft by owners, practitioners, and enthusiasts due to incidents of misuse.

News Source: Khaleej Times