Drone registration will be mandatory from next month, or users will face hefty fines

The Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (EASM) revealed yesterday that the costs incurred by an unregistered drone flying into airport airspace can be astronomical.

Just how much are we talking about here? Well, according to the director general of the ESMA, Abdulla Abdul Qader Al Maeeni, it can reach upwards of Dhs350,000 a minute. Wow.

While that figure sure is shocking, it’s not completely unexpected. We’ve previously reported on incidents where the runway at Dubai International airport had to be temporarily shut down due to a rogue drone wandering too close, ultimately costing millions in lost revenue.

To that end, the ESMA has announced that it will require the mandatory registration of all commercial and recreational drones from next month to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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Earlier this year a list of technical requirements was issued stating that in order to gain flight approval, all drones must be certified by the manufacturer, bearing the factory’s signature and stamp, and include detailed information on the manufacturer’s address and brand, as well as the drone’s purpose and classification.

These new regulations are on top of previous requirements that all drone operators purchase an annual flying license, or face hefty fines.

The bottom line for drone operators? Better get registered quick sharp if you plan to fly Dubai’s skies.

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Image: Getty