Dubai law to ensure safety of airspace

New rules cover drones, laser beams, fireworks and other aviation hazards

Dubai: A new law to keep Dubai airspace free and clear of potential safety hazards has been issued by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Law No. 07 of 2015 on aviation safety in Dubai was issued yesterday to regulate, among other hazards, drone flights and keep Dubai’s airspace safe following a spate of airport disruptions due to misused drones earlier this year.

Drone scare

Dubai International Airport reported on January 23 a drone-sighting near the approach of the airport. The airport was closed for 55 minutes after the recreational drone was found to have flown near the airport twice. The incident was the third such case in Dubai earlier this year.

The new law aims to enhance safety and security measures in Dubai’s airspace to ensure smooth aviation according to international standards approved by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, and the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority.

The law also authorises Dubai Civil Aviation Authority to specify the airspace dedicated for general aviation and the regulations controlling the usage of laser, fireworks, light beams and drones. The authority also reserves the right to inspect towers and helipads.

Further, the law aims to organise the activities and professions in the civil aviation industry, apply best practices to ensure best usage of Dubai’s airspace and prohibit all acts that may endanger aeroplanes, airports or any facility related to aviation services.

The law prescribed the responsibilities and authorities assigned to Dubai Civil Aviation Authority that include supervising and approving all security and safety procedures applied in Dubai’s aviation facilities and airports, upgrading and developing aviation equipment to abide with international and domestic regulations, defining the terms and technical specifications required for helipads in coordination with concerned authorities and defining the regulations and technical specifications for warning lights installed in towers, building and helipads.

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority may inspect and monitor all civil aviation activities.