As part of its efforts to regulate the drone sector and establish a supportive legislative and organizational framework, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has granted its first certificate to a provider of dedicated airspace services for drones—Dubai Air Navigation Services.
The GCAA had introduced the region’s first national regulations for the certification of air navigation service providers for drones in March. This certification represents the first practical application of those regulations, demonstrating the UAE’s operational and regulatory readiness to support the safe operation of drones.
Saeed Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, stated: “This initiative is a practical application of the national regulations for drones, confirming our commitment to provide a clear regulatory framework that ensures safety and operational efficiency, which contributes to the development of the drone sector in alignment with international best practices.”
He also commended Dubai Air Navigation Services for its commitment and technical expertise during the rigorous certification process, indicating that this achievement lays a robust foundation for the future implementation of dedicated airspace services for drones in the UAE.
Ibrahim Ahli, CEO of Dubai Air Navigation Services, emphasized: “This achievement is not limited to air navigation services in Dubai alone, but encompasses the entire UAE aviation ecosystem. We are proud to be part of the movement to safely integrate drones, through close collaboration with the GCAA and our partners to ensure that Dubai is prepared for the future of smart air mobility.”