Law
No. (4) of 2020
Regulating
Unmanned
Aircraft in the Emirate of Dubai[1]
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We,
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai,
After perusal of:
Federal Law No. (3) of 1987
Issuing the Penal Code and its amendments;
Federal Law No. (20) of 1991
Issuing the Civil Aviation Law;
Federal Law No. (4) of 1996
Establishing the General Civil Aviation Authority and its amendments;
Federal Law by Decree No. (3)
of 2003 Regulating the Telecommunications Sector, its Implementing Bylaw, and
their amendments;
Federal Law No. (13) of 2007
Concerning the Commodities Subject to Import and Export Control and its
amendments;
Law No. (3) of 2003
Establishing the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai;
Law No. (9) of 2004 Concerning
the Dubai International Financial Centre and its amendments;
Law No. (22) of 2007
Establishing the Dubai Air Navigation Services Corporation;
Law No. (19) of 2010 Concerning
the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority;
Law No. (13) of 2011
Regulating the Conduct of Economic Activities in the Emirate of Dubai and its
amendments;
Law No. (2) of 2012
Establishing the Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects Corporation;
Law No. (7) of 2015 Concerning
Airspace Safety and Security in the Emirate of Dubai;
Law No. (10) of 2015
Concerning the Dubai Aviation City Corporation;
Law No. (26) of 2015
Regulating Data Dissemination and Exchange in the Emirate of Dubai;
Law No. (1) of 2016 Concerning
the Financial Regulations of the Government of Dubai;
Local Order No. (2) of 1999 Concerning Classification and Regulation of
Land Use in the Emirate of Dubai and its amendments;
Local Order No. (3) of 1999
Regulating Construction Works in the Emirate of Dubai and its amendments; and
The legislation establishing
and regulating free zones in the Emirate of Dubai,
Do hereby issue this Law.
This Law will be cited as "Law No. (4) of 2020
Regulating Unmanned Aircraft in the Emirate of Dubai".
The following words and expressions, wherever mentioned in
this Law, will have the meaning indicated opposite each of them unless the context
implies otherwise:
|
UAE: |
The United Arab Emirates. |
|
Emirate: |
The Emirate of Dubai. |
|
Executive
Council: |
The Executive Council of the Emirate of
Dubai. |
|
GCAA: |
The General Civil Aviation Authority. |
|
DCAA: |
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. |
|
DP: |
The Dubai Police. |
|
DANS: |
The Dubai Air Navigation Services
Corporation. |
|
Government
Entity: |
This includes any of the Government
departments, public agencies or corporations, authorities and councils
affiliated to the Government of Dubai, or similar entities. |
|
Director
General: |
The director general of the DCAA. |
|
Aircraft: |
Any machine that can derive support in the
atmosphere from the reactions of the air other than the reactions of the air
against the surface of the earth, and that is designated for civilian
purposes. This includes all aerial vehicles, such as various types of aircraft
and fixed- and rotary-wing balloons. |
|
Unmanned
Aircraft: |
An Aircraft flying without a human pilot on
board. This includes Radio-controlled
Aircraft, Remotely Piloted Aircraft, and Autonomous Aircraft. |
|
Radio-controlled
Aircraft: |
An Unmanned Aircraft that is controlled and
steered, within the visual line of sight of an Unmanned Aircraft Pilot, using
a hand-held radio transmitter. |
|
Remotely
Piloted Aircraft: |
An Unmanned Aircraft that is controlled and
steered wirelessly from a Remote Control Station. |
|
Autonomous
Aircraft: |
An Unmanned Aircraft that is programmed to be
controlled and steered autonomously. |
|
Air
Routes: |
Designated routes in the Airspace, within which the flying of Unmanned Aircraft
is permitted. |
|
Airspace: |
The portion of the atmosphere extending
vertically and horizontally above the territory of the Emirate. |
|
Airspace
Safety: |
The procedures taken by the DCAA to ensure
the safety of Airspace in accordance with the relevant recognised
international standards. |
|
Controlled
Airspace: |
The portion of the Airspace that is
controlled by the DANS. |
|
Airport: |
A demarcated area on the ground, on a water
body, or on top of a structure,
which meets all relevant
internationally recognised standards and requirements and which is designated for Aircraft landing,
take-off, overnight stay, and maintenance. This includes the
buildings, control towers, runways, devices, equipment, systems, and other
facilities attached to that area. |
|
Heliport: |
An area whose coordinates are defined through
signs, whether located on the ground or installed on top of structures, on
marine platforms, or on ships, which is designated for the safe landing and
take-off of helicopters, and which meets all relevant internationally
recognised standards and requirements. |
|
Prohibited
Area: |
A defined portion of Airspace within which the conduct of
Operations is prohibited. |
|
Restricted
Area: |
A defined portion of Airspace within which the conduct of
Operations is circumscribed by certain conditions. |
|
Danger
Area: |
A defined portion of Airspace within which risk factors, that may
compromise the safety of Operations, exist. |
|
Approved
Area: |
A
defined portion of Airspace, approved by the DCAA in coordination
with the DANS, within which the conduct of Operations is permitted. |
|
Operations: |
This includes the operation of Unmanned
Aircraft and their control systems, Operation Tests, and all Related
Activities thereof. |
|
Related
Activities: |
The activities determined pursuant to a
resolution of the Director General. These include, without limitation,
Operation Tests and the operation of Unmanned Aircraft Airports. |
|
Operation
Tests: |
A set of technical procedures and processes
to which an Unmanned Aircraft is subjected in order to verify its airworthiness and to ensure Airspace Safety. |
|
Infrastructure: |
All facilities, utilities, and software
required for operating Unmanned Aircraft, regardless of the
type of their control systems. |
|
Unmanned
Aircraft Airport: |
An area designated for the landing and take-off of
Unmanned Aircraft, which is approved
by the DCAA in coordination with the DANS and the concerned entities. |
|
Person: |
A legal or natural person. |
|
Owner: |
A
Person who owns an Unmanned Aircraft or any part thereof; the Infrastructure;
an Unmanned Aircraft Airport; or any fuel or power supply station. |
|
Operator: |
A Person
authorised by the DCAA to conduct any of the Operations, in accordance with
the provisions of this Law and the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof. |
|
Permit: |
A document issued by the DCAA authorising a
Person to use an Unmanned Aircraft or conduct any of the Related Activities. |
|
Permit
Holder: |
A Person who obtains a Permit from the DCAA
to conduct any of the Related Activities. |
|
Contractor: |
A Person who is licensed to practise the contracting
profession in accordance with the legislation in force in the Emirate, and
who is appointed to conduct any works for an Owner or an Operator. |
|
Consultant: |
A Person who is licensed to practise the engineering
consultancy profession in accordance with the legislation in force in the
Emirate, and who provides engineering or technical consultations for an Owner
or an Operator. |
|
Unmanned
Aircraft Pilot: |
A qualified Person assigned by an Operator to
operate and control an Unmanned Aircraft throughout a flight. |
|
Controller: |
A qualified Person assigned by an Operator to
assist the pilot of a Remotely Piloted Aircraft in safely operating it, or to
supervise Autonomous Aircraft Operations. |
|
Crew
Member: |
A qualified Person assigned by an Operator to
perform any duties related to Unmanned Aircraft systems throughout a flight. |
|
Remote
Control Station: |
A set of devices which are used for
controlling a Remotely Piloted Aircraft and which form
part of its operating system. This includes any
equipment or other components used to pilot the Remotely Piloted Aircraft. |
|
Operational
Safety Certificate: |
A document issued by the DCAA authorising an
Operator to conduct Operations. |
|
Independent
Safety Assessor: |
A Person authorised by the DCAA to verify
whether or not an Owner or Operator is in compliance with the safety
procedures, requirements, and conditions adopted by the DCAA. |
|
Incident: |
Any act or measure that is related to the
operation of an Unmanned Aircraft and that may compromise the safety of its
operation or cause harm to life or property. |
|
Accident: |
An Incident that occurs as a result of the operation of an Unmanned Aircraft and
that causes harm to life or property, or damage to the Unmanned Aircraft. |
a. This Law applies to:
1. all types of Unmanned Aircraft,
regardless of their use or control systems;
2. all areas within the Emirate, including Special
Development Zones and free zones, such as the Dubai International Financial
Centre; and
3. all individuals and public and private entities
using Unmanned Aircraft in the Emirate.
b. This Law will not apply to the Unmanned
Aircraft used for military purposes, provided that they are operated in
coordination with the DCAA to ensure the safety of Operations and civil
aviation.
This Law aims to:
1. maintain the safety and security, and optimise
the use, of air navigation in the Emirate;
2. regulate Unmanned Aircraft Operations in the Emirate in accordance with the relevant best
international practices;
3. regulate the conduct of Related Activities
associated with the use of Unmanned Aircraft, and create an environment
conducive to investment in this sector;
4. minimise the risks arising from the operation
of Unmanned Aircraft, and determine the duties and responsibilities of the
concerned entities in this respect;
5. contribute to promoting the Emirate as a hub
for the manufacturing of Unmanned Aircraft, smart transport, and innovation in the air transport industry; and
6. enable public and private entities to use
Unmanned Aircraft in providing their services.
For the purposes of this Law, the DCAA will supervise the
implementation of this Law and regulate Operations and Related Activities, in
accordance with the federal legislation and the conventions and treaties to
which the UAE is a party or an acceding party. For this purpose, the DCAA will,
in coordination with the concerned entities where applicable,
have the duties and powers to:
1. determine, supervise, and control Operations
and Related Activities;
2. supervise Unmanned Aircraft Operations in the Airspace designated to Unmanned Aircraft;
3. establish and adopt the conditions and
procedures required for the issuance of Permits for conducting Operations and
Related Activities, including Operation Tests;
4. determine and adopt the Approved Areas and
altitudes within which the use of Unmanned Aircraft, and the conduct of
Operation Tests, are allowed;
5. approve the Airspace and Air Routes within
which the flying of Unmanned Aircraft is allowed;
6. establish and approve the qualification
requirements that must be met by Operators;
7. establish and approve the requirements for
issuing Permits to Unmanned Aircraft Pilots, Controllers, and Crew Members; and
determine their obligations;
8. approve the requirements and standards for the
construction of Unmanned Aircraft Airports;
9. establish and approve the regulations and
services related to the aviation safety, security, and environment of Unmanned
Aircraft systems; and manage relevant risks;
10. issue the Permits, approvals, and certificates
required for conducting Operations and Related Activities, in accordance with
the provisions of this Law, the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, and the
legislation in force in the Emirate;
11. issue the Permits and approvals required for the
operation of Unmanned Aircraft Airports; and issue temporary Permits for
conducting Operation Tests;
12. issue Permits to Independent Safety Assessors
in accordance with the requirements and standards adopted by the DCAA in this
respect;
13. monitor and inspect Permit Holders to verify
their compliance with the provisions of this Law and the resolutions issued in
pursuance hereof;
14. take the necessary action and measures to
protect the Airspace and ensure the safety of Operations and Operation Tests;
15. issue the manuals required for ensuring the
safe use of Unmanned Aircraft in the Emirate; and
16. exercise any other duties or powers required
for the achievement of the objectives of this Law.
For the purposes of this Law, the DANS will regulate the
movements of Unmanned Aircraft and ensure safe and
effective navigation within the Airspace, in accordance with the federal
legislation and the conventions and treaties to which the UAE is a party or an
acceding party. For this purpose, the DANS will, in coordination with the DCAA
and the concerned entities, have the duties and powers to:
1. determine the Airspace designated for
Unmanned Aircraft in the Emirate to enable the DCAA to supervise and manage such
Airspace; and regulate, control, and manage Unmanned Aircraft operations and
traffic therein;
2. provide air navigation services to
Unmanned Aircraft with a view to ensuring the security and safety of air
navigation traffic and Unmanned Aircraft movements. These services include:
a. providing the required information regarding
air traffic, Unmanned Aircraft movements, and air navigation;
b. providing the required information regarding
weather conditions and wind direction;
c. providing the required information regarding
Unmanned Aircraft Airports in the Emirate; and
d. managing the equipment and systems required for
the management of Unmanned Aircraft movements within the Airspace;
3. coordinate with the DCAA to determine and adopt
the Approved Areas and altitudes within which the use of Unmanned Aircraft, and
the conduct of Operation Tests, are allowed without compromising the Airspace
Safety and security;
4. determine, in coordination with the DCAA, the
Airspace and Air Routes within which the flying of Unmanned Aircraft is allowed
without compromising the Airspace Safety and security;
5. take the actions required
to ensure Airspace Safety; and the safety of Operations and
Operation Tests;
6. conduct research on development and innovation
in fields related to the management of Unmanned Aircraft movements with
a view to ensuring their integration with air navigation traffic; and
7. exercise any other duties or powers required
for the achievement of the objectives of this Law.
For the purposes of this Law, the Dubai Aviation
Engineering Projects Corporation will have the duties and powers to:
1. establish the specifications,
standards, and requirements that must be met by Unmanned Aircraft Airports, and
submit the same to the DCAA for approval;
2. develop and approve the engineering designs of
the Unmanned Aircraft Airports
designated for government use,
and their stations, facilities, and Infrastructure; and supervise the construction
of these Airports and implementation of such designs;
3. approve the engineering designs and plans of
the Unmanned Aircraft Airports
designated for non-government use,
and their stations, facilities, and Infrastructure; supervise and
oversee the implementation of these designs and plans; and issue the relevant
completion certificates, provided that the designs and plans are compliant with
the adopted urban planning requirements and with the procedures for control of traffic and transport in the Emirate;
4. prescribe, in coordination with the concerned
entities, the standards and criteria for the pre-qualification and certification
of Contractors and Consultants engaged in the construction of Unmanned Aircraft
Airports and their stations, facilities, and Infrastructure;
5. consider the engineering and technical
obstacles that encounter the operation of Unmanned Aircraft Airports, find
appropriate solutions for these obstacles, and submit the same to the DCAA for
approval; and
6. conduct research on engineering development and
innovation in fields related to Unmanned Aircraft Airports and Infrastructure
and their operation, and submit research findings to the DCAA to take the
relevant appropriate action.
For the purposes of this Law, the DP will, in coordination
with the DCAA, have the duties and powers to:
1. establish and implement the security actions
and measures required to counter or
prevent acts of unlawful interference
related to the use of Unmanned Aircraft;
2. investigate crimes resulting from using
Unmanned Aircraft;
3. establish and implement the preventive actions
and measures to be taken in case of losing control over Unmanned Aircraft, their
exit from the Approved Areas or deviation from Air
Routes, or their
noncompliance with the instructions of the DCAA and concerned entities; and
4. exercise any other security duties or powers
that are related to the protection of individuals and property against risks pertaining to Operations and Related Activities.
The DCAA will, in coordination and cooperation with the DP
and concerned entities, evaluate and select the systems and devices required
for the protection from, and prevention
of, acts of unlawful interference related to Unmanned Aircraft in the Emirate, including countermeasures and tracking systems and devices.
a. No Person may pilot or
use Unmanned Aircraft; conduct Operations or Related Activities; or construct
any Infrastructure or Unmanned Aircraft Airport in the Emirate, without first
obtaining the relevant Permit from the DCAA. The resolutions issued in
implementation of this Law will determine the conditions and requirements for
issuing such a Permit.
b. When issuing the Permit referred to in
paragraph (a) of this Article, the assessment
of risks resulting from the
operation of Unmanned Aircraft; the purpose of using them;
the area where they will be used; and any other considerations the
DCAA deems necessary must be taken into account to
ensure the safety of air navigation and security of Operations.
a. Unmanned Aircraft will be used in the Emirate
for conducting any of the following activities:
1. Government activities to be conducted by Government
Entities under the legislation in force;
2. business activities;
3. academic and research activities;
4. activities related to practising hobbies and
air sports; and
5. any other activities determined by the Director
General.
b. The Director General will issue a list of the
activities that may be conducted using
Unmanned Aircraft, as
stipulated in sub-paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), and (a)(4) of this Article; the conditions for such use, and the obligations of Operators.
The Director General will,
pursuant to a resolution he issues in this respect, determine the types and
categories of the Unmanned Aircraft that may be operated in the Emirate; and
the conditions, requirements, and specifications that must be met by these
Unmanned Aircraft.
a. No Person may design, manufacture, assemble,
modify, maintain, or inspect Unmanned Aircraft or Unmanned Aircraft systems;
develop their simulation systems; or provide training on piloting
Unmanned Aircraft, without first
obtaining the relevant Permit from the DCAA.
b. The Director General will, pursuant to a
resolution he issues in this respect, determine the conditions and requirements
that must be met, and the procedures that must be followed, for issuing the
Permit referred to in paragraph (a) of this Article. When
approving these conditions and requirements, the academic
research criteria, the airworthiness of Unmanned Aircraft, and ensuring the continuity of this airworthiness, must be taken into account.
a. No Person may import, bring in, or sell Unmanned Aircraft or any parts or systems thereof in
the Emirate without first obtaining the relevant Permit from the DCAA.
b. Any Person owning an Unmanned Aircraft must
register it with the DCAA in accordance with the provisions of this Law and the
resolutions issued in pursuance hereof.
c. The concerned entities in the Emirate must
coordinate with the DCAA to establish the procedures required for
implementation of the provisions of paragraph (a) of this Article.
d. The Director General may, based on valid reasons and in coordination with concerned entities,
exempt certain types of Unmanned Aircraft from compliance with the provisions
of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Article.
a. No Person may conduct Operations or Operation
Tests using an Unmanned Aircraft before registering it with the DCAA.
b. No Person may use an Unmanned Aircraft, or
conduct Operation Tests thereof, unless
its registration number or code,
or any other identification information prescribed by the DCAA, is clearly displayed thereon.
c. An Owner must register the Unmanned Aircraft
prior to conducting Operations or Operation Tests, or deregister the same, in
accordance with the conditions and procedures determined pursuant to the
relevant resolution of the Director General.
The DCAA will maintain a register of Unmanned Aircraft in
which the information and data related to them,
their Owners and Operators, and any rights attached to them,
are recorded. The form of the register and the data and information that must
be entered therein will be determined pursuant to the relevant resolution of
the Director General.
Unmanned Aircraft will be
controlled using any of the following systems:
1. a radio control system, which
allows the control of Unmanned Aircraft remotely while they are
within the visual line of sight of the pilot. This system is used in
Radio-controlled Aircraft;
2. a remote control system,
which allows the control of Unmanned Aircraft remotely using a Remote Control
Station. This system is used in Remotely Piloted Aircraft; and
3. an autonomous control system, which
allows the control of Unmanned Aircraft by pre-programming them
to navigate autonomously. This system is used in Autonomous Aircraft.
a. No Person may operate, assist in operating, or
monitor the operation of Unmanned Aircraft or perform any
work related to their operating systems unless that
Person is qualified to do so and holds a relevant Permit from the DCAA.
b.
The
Director General will, pursuant to a resolution he issues in this respect and based
on the type of Unmanned Aircraft and their control systems, determine the
categories of, and the requirements and procedures for issuing, the Permit
referred to in paragraph (a) of this Article for an Unmanned Aircraft Pilot, a
Controller, or a Crew Member.
The DCAA will, in coordination with the General Authority
for Regulating the Telecommunications Sector, establish the conditions,
requirements, and procedures for using the radio frequencies dedicated to
Unmanned Aircraft, their systems, and Remote Control Stations.
The Infrastructure required for conducting Unmanned
Aircraft Operations may not be established without first obtaining the relevant
Permit from the DCAA. This Permit will be issued in coordination with the
Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects Corporation and the concerned entities as
per the relevant conditions and requirements approved by the DCAA and these
entities.
No Person may establish or operate Unmanned Aircraft
Airports or make any modification thereto without first obtaining the relevant
Permit from the DCAA. This Permit will be issued in coordination with the
Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects Corporation and the concerned entities as
per the relevant conditions and requirements approved by the DCAA and these
entities.
When
using Airports and Heliports, Unmanned Aircraft Operators must comply with the
relevant safety standards and requirements prescribed by the DCAA.
No entity may supply Unmanned Aircraft with fuel or power
without first obtaining the relevant Permit from the DCAA. This
Permit will be issued in coordination with the Dubai Aviation Engineering
Projects Corporation and the concerned entities as per the relevant conditions
and requirements approved by the DCAA and these
entities.
Prior to using Unmanned Aircraft or any of their systems or
operating an Unmanned Aircraft Airport, and after completion of the establishment
of Infrastructure, an Operator must apply to the DCAA to obtain an Operational
Safety Certificate. This certificate will be issued in accordance with the
relevant conditions and procedures adopted by the DCAA, and
will be valid throughout the period of operation unless it is revoked for any
of the reasons determined pursuant to the relevant resolution of the Director General.
An Operator, an Unmanned Aircraft Pilot, a Controller, or a
Crew Member, as the case may be, must:
1. comply with the safety requirements and
procedures prescribed by the DCAA and with the instructions of the
manufacturer;
2. comply with the security requirements
prescribed by the DCAA in coordination with the DANS and concerned entities;
3. comply with the procedures and rules for operating
Unmanned Aircraft and their systems, including pre-flight procedures as well as safety procedures for taking off, approaching, landing,
and Aircraft separation distance;
4. ensure that Unmanned Aircraft and their systems
are in a good working condition prior to
taking off; and comply with
the instructions of the manufacturer in this respect;
5. be familiar with all details of the relevant flight
or Operation;
6. comply with the procedures prescribed by the
DCAA for handing over the control of Unmanned Aircraft to another Unmanned
Aircraft Pilot or Controller;
7. comply with the instructions of the DCAA and
the manufacturer in respect of operating more than one Unmanned Aircraft using a single Remote Control Station;
8. comply with the conditions and rules prescribed
by the DCAA in respect of the load of Unmanned Aircraft;
9. not use Unmanned Aircraft in a reckless manner;
violate any legal obligation; or take any action or conduct any activity that
may compromise the Airspace Safety and security or the safety of Persons or
property in any way or manner whatsoever;
10. ensure the provision of
a third party liability insurance to cover damage that may result from
Operations or Operation Tests, in accordance with the conditions and rules
prescribed by the DCAA in this respect;
11. ensure that the Unmanned Aircraft Airport is
suitable for conducting Operations, taking off, and landing and that it is in
compliance with the safety requirements prescribed by the DCAA;
12. immediately suspend Operations or Operation
Tests in case of any possible danger that may compromise the safety of
aviation, Persons, or property;
13. comply with the emergency plan approved by the
DCAA in case of the breakdown of Unmanned Aircraft or the
failure of their systems, the Remote Control Stations, or
the equipment used for Operations; in
case of losing connection with, or
losing control over, an Unmanned Aircraft; in case of
terminating flights; and in any
other cases determined by the DCAA;
14. immediately notify the DCAA upon the occurrence
of any Accident, Incident, or violation of the terms of a Permit;
15. perform periodic maintenance of Unmanned
Aircraft and their systems in accordance with the manufacturer’s manual and
other manuals adopted by the DCAA;
16. keep,
for the period prescribed by the DCAA, records of the conducted Operations and Operation Tests, of
the maintenance works of
Unmanned Aircraft and their systems, and of any other information
determined by the DCAA; and
17. comply with any other obligations determined pursuant
to the relevant resolution of the Director General.
a. For the purpose of operating Unmanned Aircraft,
the Airspace is divided into the following areas:
1. Approved Areas;
2. Prohibited Areas;
3. Restricted Areas; and
4. Danger Areas.
b. The areas referred to in paragraph (a) of this
Article will be demarcated pursuant to a resolution issued by the Director
General in coordination with the concerned entities. Upon demarcating an
Approved Area, the DCAA must take into consideration the classification of this
area; its population density; the height of its buildings; its distance from
Airports, Heliports, and other sensitive facilities; and any possible
interference with civil and military air navigation operations.
c. Operations and Operation Tests must be
conducted in Approved Areas only. Where an Unmanned Aircraft leaves an Approved
Area, the Operator, the Unmanned Aircraft Pilot, or the Controller must
immediately notify the DCAA Air Traffic Control Unit and must strictly follow its instructions. The Operator, the Unmanned
Aircraft Pilot, or the Controller must submit a report on this
Incident and the reasons therefor.
The DANS will plan the Airspace and determine the Air
Routes within which Unmanned Aircraft are allowed to fly based on a plan issued
for this purpose by the DANS and approved by the DCAA.
a. The DCAA will, in coordination with the DANS
and concerned entities, determine the altitudes within which the conduct of
Operations and Operation Tests is allowed, provided that civilian and military air navigation operations are not affected.
b. The DCAA will, in coordination with the DANS,
determine the horizontal separation allowed
for the conduct of Operations and
Operation Tests.
c. When determining altitudes and horizontal
separation, the DCAA and the DANS must take into consideration the safety
distance required for the protection of individuals, property, civilian and
military Aircraft, facilities, buildings, and other Unmanned Aircraft from the
risk of collision.
a. An Operator, an Unmanned Aircraft Pilot, or a Controller
must not leave the Airspace while conducting Operations or
Operation Tests.
b. No Unmanned Aircraft may enter the Airspace
without obtaining the relevant Permit from the DCAA.
c. The DCAA will, in coordination with the DANS,
the GCAA, and the concerned entities in neighbouring emirates, establish the
procedures required for the implementation of the provisions of paragraphs (a)
and (b) of this Article.
a. No Person may conduct Operations or Operation
Tests within the Controlled Airspace designated for civilian or military
Aircraft unless he is so authorised.
b. The DCAA may, subject to the conditions and rules prescribed by the
DANS, authorise an Operator to
conduct Operations within the Controlled Airspace designated for civilian
Aircraft, provided that the air
navigation operations and safety of civilian Aircraft,
and the safety of their
passengers, are not affected.
a. No Person may conduct Operations or Operation
Tests in Prohibited Areas, Restricted Areas, or
Danger Areas.
b. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a)
of this Article, the DCAA may, in coordination with the DP, authorise
Government Entities using Unmanned Aircraft for security, rescue, firefighting,
surveillance, or other purposes related to the public interest to operate
Unmanned Aircraft within Prohibited Areas, Restricted Areas, or
Danger Areas.
When
using Unmanned Aircraft within the Airspace, an Operator, an Unmanned Aircraft
Pilot, or a Controller must:
1. obtain a permission from the DCAA prior to
conducting Operations;
2. conduct Operations within the Approved Area and
the Air Routes specified in the Permit;
3. obtain the approval of the DCAA prior to
conducting Operations within any Danger Area or Restricted
Area;
4. not conduct Operations or Operation Tests in
Prohibited Areas;
5. comply with the DANS instructions in respect of
Air Traffic;
6. comply with the instructions of the DANS and
the manufacturer when conducting Operations in bad weather
conditions;
7. comply with the altitude and horizontal
separation restrictions determined by the DCAA in coordination with the DANS
and the concerned entities;
8. give priority in using Airspace to civilian and
military Aircraft, and to the Unmanned Aircraft used for military, security, or
government purposes;
9. notify the DCAA immediately upon losing control
over an Unmanned Aircraft or upon its exit from the Approved Area or deviation from
the designated Air Routes;
10. avoid collision with individuals, property,
civilian and military Aircraft, facilities, buildings, and other Unmanned
Aircraft; and
11. comply with any other obligations determined pursuant
to the relevant resolution of the Director General.
a. Government Entities may, upon obtaining the
approval of the DCAA, use Unmanned Aircraft to provide their public services to
the society and community members and to conduct control and inspection duties in the fields assigned to them under the legislation in force. Foremost among these
services and fields are:
1. air transport of passengers and goods;
2. collection of Data and statistics;
3. providing ambulance services;
4. firefighting;
5. monitoring road traffic;
6. securing the events, conferences, competitions,
and sports contests that require airspace security;
7. monitoring environmental, health, planning, and
construction violations;
8. monitoring the Infrastructure;
9. monitoring ports, beaches, and maritime
boundaries;
10. aerial surveys; and
11. search and rescue operations.
b. Unmanned Aircraft will be used to provide any
of the services stipulated in paragraph (a) of this Article, in accordance with
the rules adopted by the DCAA in this respect.
a. Competent law enforcement officers may, based
on reliable information, apply to the General Prosecution
to obtain a permission to use Unmanned Aircraft in private places for the
purposes of search, investigation, and collection of information and data
pertaining to crimes and violations.
b. A law enforcement officer must attach to his
application for permission to use Unmanned Aircraft for surveillance purposes a report
that contains all information and investigation findings that justify applying for using the Unmanned Aircraft within private places.
c. A law
enforcement officer using Unmanned Aircraft for surveillance must conduct the surveillance work in person. For this purpose, he may seek
assistance from technicians where necessary.
d. Obtaining a permission from the Public
Prosecution is not required in emergency cases that require expedited recording
of traces of crimes or where evidence is at risk of being concealed; for purposes of catching criminals in the act; or where
there is a threat to the UAE national security and safety.
a. The following acts are hereby deemed acts of
unlawful interference that compromise the safety of civil aviation and air
transport:
1. unlawful seizure of
Unmanned Aircraft;
2. taking control of Unmanned Aircraft or
illegally hacking their operating systems;
3. using Unmanned Aircraft in the preparatory acts or for committing a violation of the legislation
in force; and
4. illegally installing any weapon or
device, or placing hazardous or prohibited substance, on board Unmanned
Aircraft.
b. Subject to legal liability, a Person is
prohibited from committing any of the acts referred to in paragraph (a) of this
Article.
a. A Person using Unmanned Aircraft must take all
the actions required for protecting the privacy of
residences and Persons; personal,
commercial, and other secrets; and
the confidentiality of legally protected Data.
b. No Person may make recordings, take photos or videos, or use any of the remote sensing techniques
to violate the privacy of the personal or family life of an individual; or take photos or videos of facilities, buildings, Prohibited Areas, or Restricted
Areas, without obtaining the relevant Permit from the concerned entities.
c. No Person may install any equipment or device
to illegally collect information or data.
The DCAA will, in coordination with the concerned entities,
establish the conditions and measures for the protection of the environment when
using Unmanned Aircraft.
Without prejudice to any stricter penalty stipulated in any
other legislation, a
Person who commits any of the following violations will be punished by
imprisonment, by a fine, or by both penalties:
1. compromising the safety and security of
Airspace in any manner whatsoever;
2. designing, manufacturing, assembling,
modifying, or maintaining Unmanned Aircraft or their
systems; or developing Unmanned Aircraft simulation and
training systems,
without obtaining a Permit from the DCAA;
3. importing, bringing in, or
selling Unmanned Aircraft or any parts or systems thereof in the Emirate
without obtaining a Permit from the DCAA; or
4. conducting Operations or Unmanned Aircraft
Operation Tests in violation of the provisions of this Law and the resolutions
issued in pursuance hereof.
The Chairman of the Executive Council will issue a
resolution prescribing:
1. the acts constituting violations under the
provisions of this Law and the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof;
2. the fines and administrative penalties that
must be imposed on violators; and
3. the conditions and limits for doubling a fine
in case of repetition of the same violation.
a. A Person who causes damage as a result of conducting Operations and Related Activities will be
liable for compensation for that damage.
b. A Person who causes damage must remedy the
violation that caused that damage within the time frame prescribed by the DCAA.
Where this Person fails to remedy, or delays in remedying, the violation, the
DCAA may remedy the violation by itself or by engaging any other entity; and
hold the violator liable for all costs incurred in addition to administrative
charges of twenty percent (20%) of these costs.
In return for issuing Permits and providing other
services under this Law and the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, the
fees determined pursuant to the
relevant resolution issued by
the Chairman of the Executive Council
will be collected.
The DCAA may outsource any of its duties and delegate any
of its powers under this Law and the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof to
any public or private entity pursuant to an agreement which states the rights
and obligations of both parties, in accordance with the legislation in force in
the Emirate.
The employees of the DCAA and concerned entities, and any
other Person assigned by the DCAA to implement the provisions of this
Law and the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof, who are nominated
pursuant to a resolution of the Director General, will have the capacity of law enforcement
officers to record the acts committed in breach of the provisions of this Law
and the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof. For this purpose, they may
issue the necessary violation reports; and, where necessary, seek the assistance of
police personnel.
Any affected party may submit to the Director General a
written grievance against any decision, procedure, or measure taken against him
in accordance with this Law and the resolutions issued in pursuance hereof,
within thirty (30) days from the date of being notified of the contested
decision, procedure, or measure. The grievance will be determined, within
thirty (30) days of its submission, by a committee formed by the Director
General for this purpose; and the decision issued by the
committee on the grievance will be final.
The revenues collected pursuant to this Law and the
resolutions issued in pursuance hereof will be paid to the Public Treasury of
the Government of Dubai.
All Government Entities must, each within its own
jurisdiction, fully cooperate and coordinate with the DCAA to enable it to
implement the provisions of this Law and the resolutions issued in pursuance
hereof. Upon request, these entities must provide the DCAA with all
support and assistance.
a. Neither the DCAA, nor the DANS, nor the Dubai
Aviation Engineering Projects Corporation will be liable to third parties for
any damage they may sustain as a result of conducting Operations or Related
Activities by an Operator or a Permit Holder.
b. Neither the DCAA nor the concerned entities
will be liable to Operators, Permit Holders, or third parties for suspending
Air Traffic in the Emirate for any reasons relating to the achievement of the public
interest.
With the exception of the resolutions which the Chairman of
the Executive Council is authorised to issue under this Law, the Director
General will issue the resolutions required for implementing the provisions of
this Law.
Any provision in any other legislation will be repealed to
the extent that it contradicts the provisions of this Law.
This Law will be published in the Official Gazette and will
come into force on the day on which it is published.
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Ruler
of Dubai
Issued in Dubai on 25 June 2020
Corresponding to 4 Thu al-Qidah 1441 A.H.
©2020 The Supreme Legislation Committee in the
Emirate of Dubai
[1]Every effort has been made to produce an
accurate and complete English version of this legislation. However, for the
purpose of its interpretation and application, reference must be made to the
original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text will prevail.