The Ministry of Interior (MoI) called on the pubic and drone users to follow its campaign" You are Responsible" through the ministry's social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google plus, YouTube, to learn about the regulations on practicing this sport.
The campaign is held in conjunction with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Colonel Saeed Al Khajah, Head of the Air Support Department in the General Directorate for Security Support, said that the awareness campaign aims to raise awareness about the rules and regulations of using drones, to guarantee the safety and security of users, public and private properties, and national facilities.
He pointed out that the campaign will continue throughout the year and will contain messages to increase community awareness about the regulations of using drones. The messages are published via the ministry's social media portals in addition to a hashtag # you_are_ responsible.
Eng. Ismail Al Bloushi, Assistant Director-General of the Safety Sector in the GCAA, urged the owners to register their drones through the GCAA's website www.gcaa.gov.ae before operation.
"The law prohibits the use of drones near airports, residential areas, property, public facilities and restricted areas in the country", he said, urging those interested to download the drone fly zone application available on smart phones. The application allows drone user to see areas where they are allowed to fly drones and the restricted areas, where they are not allowed to fly.
"Flying a drone with a camera or video device is prohibited in UAE airspace, as a drone user may breach privacy and security laws. It is also not permitted to fly a drone during poor visibility or in bad weather", he added.
"Users must keep the drone within their sight at all times. Whenever they hear or see a manned aircraft in the vicinity of their drones, they must land their drone immediately", he further added.
To learn about more regulations, Al Bloushi requested those interested to visit the GCAA website.