The Ministry of Interior, represented by the Air Support Department at the General Directorate for Security Support will launch an awareness campaign next Sunday on the use of drones, under the slogan "You are responsible".
The campaign will continue throughout the year, in co-operation with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in the UAE.
Major General Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi Inspector General at the Ministry of Interior and head of the committee for the implementation of the light air sports system reiterated the ministry's keenness on educating people about all the laws and regulations on drones to ensure their safety.
"The campaign will include a number of awareness messages to enhance community awareness of the rules and regulations of using drones. These messages will be published via the ministry's social media platforms", he said, urging the public and those interested in this sport to follow the campaign through hashtag "# you_are_responsible" on Instagram
He pointed out that the law stipulates that drones are banned from flying five kilometers from airports and helipads, and some other restricted zones including residential, commercial and sports areas.
He urged drones owners to register their drones through the General Civil Aviation Authority website www.gcaa.gov.ae . He also encouraged them to abide by the relevant rules to ensure their safety and the safety of private and public property.
GCAA Director General Saif Mohammed Al Swuaidi said that the GCAA has issued a number of regulations on drones to limit their unorganized spread and wrong use.
A national committee comprising representatives of air navigation in the UAE was formed to prepare a comprehensive studies about the use of drones and to set detailed laws, Al Swuaidi pointed out.
The current laws prohibit the use of drones near airports, residential areas, property, public facilities and restricted areas in the country, he said, adding that young people are only allowed to use drones through the GCAA's approved clubs and fly zones shown on its website www.gcaa.gov.ae .
Operating drones at these fly zones requires an approval from the Authority, he added.
He also added that using drones in the areas surrounding airports and airplane routes is considered a threat to the safety of aircraft and passengers. Violators will be punished by temporary or life imprisonment, he further added.
He called on the members of the community to adhere to the regulations issued in this regard, to avoid any legal consequences.