DUBAI // Sales of drones have fallen as hobbyists worry about paying for those that may not meet new General Civil Aviation Authority regulations.
Expected changes to the rules for the remote-controlled machines are believed to include limits to their range and functions.
Binod Kumar, of the Ultimate Hobby shop in Dubai, which imports drones, said he had not heard what types could be affected but he had seen a drop in interest.
“I’d say we are now selling maybe one or two drones a week,” Mr Kumar said.
“I think people are unsure about the legality of it all. “The last update we received was a while ago urging us to tell clients to register their devices with the GCAA.”
He said his store sold drones for between Dh200 and Dh35,000, and that they could fly as far as 2 kilometres.
Mr Kumar refers customers to the Sanad Air Academy, which has been endorsed by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority to provide certificates for remote drone use. Operators are tested before they can register with the federal authority.
“We also make sure to tell our clients that there are certain areas that prohibit the use of drones, some of which actually now include software showing red zones, such as airports,” he said.
At Virgin Megastore, customers can buy drones ranging from Dh179 to Dh26,000, which can travel between 1km and 7km.
“In residential areas, because of radio interference the drones can’t go more than 1km,” a salesman said. “We do tell our clients who purchase the larger drones to register with the GCAA.”
He said there had been a decrease in sales, with the store selling about 10 a week.
“Because the rules are unclear I think people are unsure whether they can freely use drones without getting into trouble with the authorities,” the salesman said.
The use and sale of drones has been banned in Abu Dhabi City but residents can still buy them on order.
A hobby centre on Salam Street said the cheapest drone without a camera cost Dh500, while those with camera started at Dh6,000. No licence or registration is required to buy a drone.
“Since drones have been banned in the city we are not selling them at the shop, but we take orders and require a copy of the buyer’s Emirates ID,” an employee said.
“However, after sale it is the owner’s responsibility. We inform them that they are not allowed to fly these drones within the city.
Virgin in Al Wahda Mall sells smaller drones, such as the Hexacopter, for Dh599.
“We only sell small drones, which go on Bluetooth with a range of 10 metres, or drones for indoor use, mostly for kids, for Dh199,” a staff member said. “Residents can buy them but are not allowed to use them outdoors.”
Lulu Hypermarkets in Abu Dhabi also stock drones in the toy section, a worker said.
“We have light range drones that go as slow as you can see, priced around Dh100,” he said. “These can be used indoor or outdoor but only within the range of the users’ private property.”
Dubai International Airport was closed for more than hour on October 29 last year when a drone entered its airspace, leading to 22 inbound flights being diverted.
A similar incident took place earlier that year, resulting in delays to 90 flights.
No-fly zones around Dubai include Dubai International and Al Maktoum airports, Al Minhad airbase and the Palm Jumeirah around Skydive Dubai. Drones are prohibited within 5km of UAE airports.
The federal authority requires drone operators to hold a permit and liability insurance of at least Dh2 million.
Business users have different rules and are required to obtain operating approvals and, when cameras are used, security clearance from the federal authority.
Anyone using a drone without authorisation could face up to a year in prison and a Dh50,000 fine.
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae
mmannan@thenational.ae
