Drone-related services in the United Arab Emirates are subject to fees that range from Dh200 to Dh10,000. The Cabinet decision outlined 17 different services, such as the issuance of licenses, renewals, registration certificates, and facility establishment. Cabinet Decision No. 58, which was published in the Official Gazette in June, outlines the service costs. The resolution says that the new costs would take effect 60 days after they are published in the Official Gazette, however it is unclear how or when they will be charged at this time.
The General Civil Aviation Authority has been assigned the job of implementing the resolution. It will use methods created by the Ministry of Finance to collect the fees. The GCAA will work with the relevant authorities in each Emirate to provide drone-related services and levy the relevant fees. Additionally, the Cabinet has the right to change these costs as needed, including adding new charges, removing old ones, or altering the price schedule in any way.
|
Service |
Issuance fees |
Renewal fees (if any) |
|
A drone registration certificate for entertainment |
Dh200 upon issuance |
Dh200 for renewal every two years |
|
A drone registration certificate for "event
organisation" category |
Aircraft weight, in kilograms, multiplied by the number of
aircraft, multiplied by Dh20 - upon issuance. |
|
|
A pilot certificate |
Dh100 upon issuance |
Dh100 upon renewal, every 5 years |
|
A drone operator accreditation certificate for the
"commercial, government, and event organisation" categories |
Dh5,000 upon issuance |
Dh5,000 upon annual renewal |
|
An approved aircraft training institution certificate |
Dh10,000 upon issuance |
Dh10,000 upon annual renewal |
|
A permit to approve the manufacture, design, or
maintenance of aircraft |
Dh10,000 upon issuance |
Dh10,000 upon annual renewal |
|
Approval to establish facilities for drone activities |
Dh5,000 upon issuance |
Dh5,000 upon annual renewal |
|
Approval to establish airstrips |
Dh5,000 upon issuance |
Dh5,000 upon annual renewal |
|
Certificates for safety assessment bodies |
Dh5,000 upon issuance |
Dh5,000 upon annual renewal |
|
Safety certificate |
Dh1,000 upon issuance |
Dh1,000 upon annual renewal |
|
Approval to establish fuel and energy supply stations |
Dh5,000 upon issuance |
Dh5,000 upon annual renewal |
