Gulf Today, 13 March 2025: The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has launched the region’s first national regulation for certifying air navigation service providers for drones, known as CAR Airspace Part Uspace.

This groundbreaking regulation establishes a comprehensive framework for organisations aiming to offer air navigation services for unmanned aircraft, ensuring they comply with stringent operational and safety standards.

The regulation adopts a holistic approach, addressing all critical aspects of certifying drone air navigation service providers.

It includes contracting, training, quality assurance, safety, future planning, auditing, and certification.

The primary objective is to integrate drone operations seamlessly into the existing aviation ecosystem, ensuring a cohesive, efficient, and safe airspace through licensed entities specialising in drone air navigation services.

The Director-General of the GCAA has highlighted the importance of this milestone, noting that the regulation is a testament to the UAE’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and innovation in aviation.

As drone operations are projected to double soon, this proactive regulatory framework is poised to serve as a model for integrating drone and commercial aviation, reinforcing the UAE’s status as a regional aviation leader.

The Assistant Director-General of Aviation Safety Affairs has emphasised that the regulation is crucial for safely incorporating advanced drone technology into UAE airspace.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.