The UAE Cabinet has outlined fees ranging from Dh200 to Dh10,000 for a variety of Drone related services across the country. These fees, detailed in Cabinet Resolution No. 58 and published in the Official Gazette in June, cover 17 different services, including the issuance and renewal of permits, registration certificates, and the establishment of facilities.
The resolution specifies that drone registration certificates for entertainment purposes will cost Dh200 upon issuance and the same amount for renewal every two years.
For the “event organization” category, the fee is calculated by multiplying the aircraft’s weight in kilograms by the number of aircraft and then by Dh20.
Pilot certificates will require a fee of Dh100 both for issuance and for renewal every five years. The GCAA charges Dh5,000 for issuing drone operator accreditation certificates for commercial, government, and event organization categories, with an annual renewal fee of the same amount.
The government set the price at Dh10,000 for issuing and annually renewing certificates for approved aircraft training institutions and permits for aircraft manufacturing, design, or maintenance. Similarly, approvals for establishing drone-related facilities, airstrips, and fuel and energy supply stations will each cost Dh5,000 upon issuance and annually thereafter. Additionally, safety certificates and certificates for safety assessment bodies will cost Dh1,000 and Dh5,000 respectively for issuance and renewal.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) will implement these fees and collect them through systems managed by the Ministry of Finance. The GCAA will work with relevant authorities in each Emirate to provide drone-related services and charge the appropriate fees.
Notably, the Cabinet retains the authority to amend these fees as needed, which may include additions, deletions, or other adjustments to the fee structure.
This resolution follows the UAE Ministry of Interior’s 2022 ban on the use of drones and light sports aircraft by “owners, practitioners, and enthusiasts” due to cases of misuse.
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