Aviation Regulators Approve Firefighting Drones in Dubai

UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) approved Dubai’s request to use firefighting drones in hard-to-reach locations such as high-rise buildings, confined spaces, and warehouses containing hazardous materials, according to a UAE news release.

Saturday’s announcement comes after the UAE has imposed strict rules governing the operation of unmanned aviation systems (UAS) throughout the country’s seven emirates, including Dubai. 

Last February, the UAE Ministry of Interior extended a nationwide ban “until further notice” on UAS flights after a deadly drone and missile attack in the nation’s capital, Abu Dhabi. The attack reportedly was claimed by Houthi rebels based in nearby Yemen. The ban also includes light sport aircraft. 

Violating the ban can result in prison sentences of up to five years, according to the UAE. Commercial owners and operators of drones and light sport aircraft are allowed to apply to the GCAA for exemptions. 

The GCAA said Saturday it issued 180 operational approvals for drone systems during the first quarter of this year. The agency also said it licensed 181 UAS operators and 870 drones for commercial and government use. Amateur drone registrants numbered about 20,000, according to the agency.