A Sharjah Police officer uses a drone. ARCHIVE

The Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) announced on Sunday (May 17) that it has approved a draft law regulating the use of drones across the emirate, introducing a comprehensive legal framework aimed at ensuring aviation safety while supporting technological development. The approval came during the council’s 16th session, held at the council’s headquarters in Sharjah and chaired by Halima Humaid Al Owais, Chairperson of the Sharjah Consultative Council. The session was attended by Sheikh Khalid bin Essam bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Thani, and representatives from the Sharjah Government Legal Department. According to Sheikh Khalid, the draft law regulates drones “of all types and for all purposes and applications” and reflects the legislative importance of managing emerging technologies within Sharjah’s broader development strategy. Council members reviewed and amended several provisions of the proposed 2026 law, focusing on ensuring regulations keep pace with rapid technological advancements while maintaining high standards of public safety and airspace security. Discussions centred on balancing innovation with operational control, particularly in protecting aviation systems and ensuring safe integration of drones into Sharjah’s airspace. The draft legislation includes detailed provisions covering: • Drone registration and classification based on type and intended use • Operational licensing and control systems • Flight altitude restrictions • Designated flight zones and restricted airspace • Helipad usage regulations • Legal obligations and penalties for drone operators Government representatives also provided legal clarifications on implementation procedures and enforcement mechanisms during the session. The law is expected to provide a clearer regulatory structure for both recreational and commercial drone operators as drone usage continues to expand across logistics, media, infrastructure inspection, surveillance and smart city applications. Officials said the move aligns with Sharjah’s vision of adopting advanced technologies while safeguarding public safety and maintaining strict aviation standards across the emirate. ICA/Expat Media
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