Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has introduced a new law aimed at regulating the drone sector within the Emirate of Sharjah. This legislation encompasses all types of drones, irrespective of their control systems or intended purposes, and applies across all areas in the emirate, including free zones and special development zones. It affects both public and private sector entities involved in the operation or use of drones within the boundaries of Sharjah.
According to Emirates News Agency, the law excludes drones used for military or security purposes or any drones exempted by a decision from the Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Civil Aviation. Such exemptions are considered necessary for public interest or based on the nature of their use. The law aims to ensure the safety and security of air navigation in Sharjah and to regulate drone operations in alignment with internationally recognized standards. It also seeks to enhance efficiency and service quality and support research and innovation in smart mobility and technology, positioning Sharjah as a regional hub for the drone industry.
The Sharjah Department of Civil Aviation, in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant entities, is tasked with issuing permits, approvals, and certificates required for drone operations. The department will license safety assessors, supervise compliance with the law, define airspace and flight corridors for drone use, and establish conditions for licensing drone pilots and related personnel. It will also set operational regulations and oversee compliance with approved standards, develop regulatory requirements for drone permits, and define zones for drone operations.
Additionally, the law mandates coordination with government entities to manage drone-related safety and security systems, assess operational risks, and issue qualification certificates to operators and crew members. It encourages research on drone traffic management and provides guidance manuals for safe drone operations. The Sharjah Police, in cooperation with the Department of Civil Aviation, will handle offences related to drone usage and implement necessary security measures to protect people and property.
Prior approval from the Sharjah Department of Civil Aviation is required for various drone activities, including government, commercial, and recreational uses. Drone owners must register their aircraft before operation, and drones must be identifiable with registration numbers or codes. The law also outlines legal provisions for drone classification, design, manufacture, importation, sale, ownership, and regulatory frameworks related to the drone sector in Sharjah.