The flying of drones will no longer be banned in the UAE following an announcement by the Ministry of Interior on Saturday.
The ministry and the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and the General Civil Aviation Authority announced that a partial lifting of restrictions on drone activities will come into effect on Monday, November 25.
“This plan prioritises the safety of airspace and ensures the protection of society, individuals and property,” the ministry said in a statement.
The General Civil Aviation Authority is introducing an online platform for drone users. Officials said those planning to operate drones must familiarise themselves with all requirements through the UAE Drones app or website.
“This interactive hub aims to simplify registration, regulate drone usage, and provide clarity on operational guidelines. By centralising all procedures, the platform ensures greater convenience for users by involving all related entities under one system,” the ministry said.
The first phase of the removal of restrictions will apply to companies and government agencies. This will then be expanded to other users including amateur drone operators. The timeline will be revealed at a later date.
The ban was introduced in January 2022, after a series of attempted attacks on Abu Dhabi by the Yemen-based Houthis. Restrictions on the use of aerial drones and light sports aircraft were then extended until further notice by the Ministry of Interior.
Companies with essential commercial projects were advised at the time to apply to the authority to ask for an
exemption. Firms, government institutions and organisations conducting research, testing or exhibitions can apply for operational permits using the UAE Drones application, run by the General Civil Aviation Authority.
All drone-related incidents that cause harm or pose risks must be reported through the platform, via its incident report section. “This reporting system is designed to improve drone safety standards while upholding the security of individuals and property,” the statement said.
CONCRETE COWBOY
Directed by: Ricky Staub
Starring: Idris Elba, Caleb McLaughlin, Jharrel Jerome
3.5/5 stars
RESULT
Manchester City 1 Sheffield United 0
Man City: Jesus (9')
MATCH INFO
Al Jazira 3 (O Abdulrahman 43', Kenno 82', Mabkhout 90 4')
Al Ain 1 (Laba 39')
Red cards: Bandar Al Ahbabi (Al Ain)
The 12 breakaway clubs
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
Match info
UAE v Bolivia, Friday, 6.25pm, Maktoum bin Rashid Stadium, Dubai
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RESULT
Chelsea 2
Willian 13'
Ross Barkley 64'
Liverpool 0
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
MATCH INFO
Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)
Third-place play-off: New Zealand v Wales, Friday, 1pm
Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm
Graduated from the American University of Sharjah
She is the eldest of three brothers and two sisters
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