Legislation Details
- Full Title: Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems
- Law Type: Cabinet Resolution
- Law Number: No. (110) of 2023
- Issued Date: 06 Nov 2023
- Effective Date: 16 Nov 2023
- Official Gazette: No. 763
- Sector: Industry and Technical Standardisation
- Status: Active
- Number of Articles: 37
- Chapters/Parts: 0
- Amendments: 0
Summary
This Cabinet Resolution establishes a comprehensive regulatory scheme for drone products and systems in the United Arab Emirates. It sets out the general requirements, conformity assessment process, technical documentation, and responsibilities of various stakeholders involved in the drone industry. The resolution aims to ensure the safety, security, and compliance of drone operations within the UAE airspace. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 1-14) The practical impact of this legislation is significant for businesses and individuals operating in the UAE drone market. It mandates strict compliance with technical standards, testing, and certification requirements before drones can be imported, sold, or operated in the country. This will help to maintain the safety and security of drone activities, while also providing a clear regulatory framework for the industry to develop and thrive. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 1-14)
What is the scope and purpose of this law?
The scope of this Cabinet Resolution is to regulate all drone products and systems traded in the UAE, including free zones, that are sold "ready for use" or manufactured or imported in the form of assembled parts that are controlled remotely. It applies to products that enter the UAE for the purpose of re-export or exhibition, whether they are used or not. The resolution excludes drones classified for military and security purposes, as well as unmanned aerial balloon products. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 2) The purpose of this legislation is to establish a comprehensive regulatory scheme for drone products and systems in the UAE, ensuring their safety, security, and compliance with technical standards before they can be imported, sold, assembled, manufactured, or operated within the UAE airspace. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 1-14)
What are the key definitions under this law?
The key definitions under this Cabinet Resolution include:
- State: United Arab Emirates
- Ministry: Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology
- Authority: General Civil Aviation Authority
- Governmental Entities: The federal and local government entities within the powers of which is to implement the provisions of this Resolution
- Competent Authority: The Local Authority competent with aviation affairs in the emirate
- Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS): The scheme issued by the Ministry for confirming whether the product meets the requirements specified in the approved Standard Specifications
- Product(s): Any machine, vehicle or similar object that can fly without a pilot on board, and that is controlled remotely or autonomously, guided by naked eye, and of which control systems are considered part thereof, and is used for civil purposes
- Conformity Certificate: The certificate issued by the Ministry, which confirms that the conformity of the product or any batch thereof with the requirements of the approved Standard Specifications
- Product Status Statement: The document issued by the Ministry that states all the information related to the product contained in this Resolution
- Manufacturer: The natural or legal person who manufactures drones products and systems covered by this Resolution
- Importer: The natural or legal person in the State who imports drones products and systems from another country to the UAE market within the scope of his work
- Operator: The person authorised to carry out any of the operations in accordance with the provisions of this Resolution and other relevant legislation
- Owner: The natural or legal person who owns the Product, whether he is the manufacturer, importer, sales centre, operator or any other person
- Operations: All drones operation processes, including operational trials and related activities, including operations for recreational, commercial, service and research purposes
- Sales Centre: Any location where drones products and systems are displayed for sale, rental or showroom purposes
(Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 1)
What are the main obligations and requirements?
The main obligations and requirements under this Cabinet Resolution include: 1. Approval from the Authority or the Competent Authority before operating drones in the UAE airspace. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 3(1)) 2. Obtaining a certificate of conformity for the product every three (3) years or a product status statement issued by the Ministry. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 3(2)) 3. The product must carry a statement card containing a serial number issued by the Ministry. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 3(3)) 4. Providing explanatory and warning signs, a safe use manual, and a data tracking and transmission system approved by the relevant authorities. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 3(4-7)) 5. Obtaining approval from the Authority or Competent Authority and the Ministry for any design modifications or repairs to the product. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 3(8)) 6. Importing spare parts from licensed companies, including electronic platforms. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 3(9))
What licensing, registration, or approval requirements exist?
The key licensing, registration, and approval requirements under this Cabinet Resolution are: 1. Manufacturers or importers must apply for a certificate of conformity before displaying or importing the product into the UAE market. This certificate is granted by the Ministry based on the procedures and requirements outlined in Articles 4, 5, 6, and 7. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 4(1)) 2. Sales centres, owners, or operators must apply for a product status statement by submitting the documents and technical characteristics declaration specified in Articles 6 and 7. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 4(2)) 3. Operators must register with the Ministry and identify the product models they intend to operate by submitting the required technical documents. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 8(2)) 4. The legislation does not specify any other licensing, registration, or approval requirements beyond those mentioned. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023)
What rights and protections does this law provide?
The Cabinet Resolution does not explicitly outline any specific rights or protections granted to individuals, workers, businesses, or other parties. The focus of the legislation is on establishing technical requirements, conformity assessment processes, and responsibilities for various stakeholders in the drone industry. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023)
Which authorities or bodies are responsible for enforcement?
The key authorities and bodies responsible for enforcement under this Cabinet Resolution are: 1. The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, which is responsible for evaluating products, issuing certificates of conformity and product status statements, and overseeing the conformity assessment process. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 10(1)) 2. The General Civil Aviation Authority and the Local Competent Authority, which are responsible for approving the operation of drones in the UAE airspace. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 3(1)) 3. The Cybersecurity Council, the General Authority for Regulating the Telecommunications Sector, and the Digital Government, which are responsible for approving the data tracking and transmission systems used in drones. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 3(7)) 4. The legislation does not specify any other authorities or bodies responsible for enforcement. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023)
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
The Cabinet Resolution does not specify any penalties for non-compliance with its provisions. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023)
What fees, charges, or financial provisions are specified?
The Cabinet Resolution does not specify any fees, charges, or financial provisions related to the implementation of its requirements. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023)
What exemptions or exceptions apply?
The Cabinet Resolution provides the following exemptions from its scope of application: 1. Drones products and systems classified for military and security purposes. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 2(2)(a)) 2. Unmanned aerial balloon products. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 2(2)(b)) The legislation does not specify any other exemptions or exceptions. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023)
How are disputes resolved under this law?
The Cabinet Resolution does not specify any dispute resolution mechanisms or procedures. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023)
What are the key deadlines and time limits?
The key deadlines and time limits specified in the Cabinet Resolution are: 1. The certificate of conformity must be renewed every three (3) years. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Art. 3(2)) The legislation does not specify any other deadlines or time limits. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023)
How does this law interact with other UAE legislation?
The Cabinet Resolution references the following related UAE legislation: 1. Federal Law No. (1) of 1972, Concerning the Competences of Ministries and the Capacities of Ministers, and its amendments. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Preamble) 2. Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2020, Concerning Standards and Metrology. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Preamble) 3. Federal Decree-Law No. (26) of 2022, Regulating the Civil Use of Drones and its Relevant Activities. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Preamble) 4. Cabinet Resolution No. (35) of 2015, Concerning the UAE Regulation for the Control of Conformity Assessment Authorities. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Preamble) The Cabinet Resolution does not specify any provisions that repeal or amend other UAE legislation. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023)
When did this law come into effect?
The Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems was issued on 06 November 2023 and came into effect on 16 November 2023, as published in the Official Gazette No. 763. (Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems, 2023, Issued Date and Effective Date)
Source Documents
This article analyses Cabinet Resolution Concerning the UAE Scheme for Drone Products and Systems for legal research and educational purposes. For the purpose of interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text prevails. This does not constitute legal advice.