The flying of drones will no longer be banned in the UAE following an announcement by the Ministry of Interior on Saturday.
The ministry and the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and the General Civil Aviation Authority announced that a partial lifting of restrictions on drone activities will come into effect on Monday, November 25.
“This plan prioritises the safety of airspace and ensures the protection of society, individuals and property,” the ministry said in a statement.
The General Civil Aviation Authority is introducing an online platform for drone users. Officials said those planning to operate drones must familiarise themselves with all requirements through the UAE Drones app or website.
“This interactive hub aims to simplify registration, regulate drone usage, and provide clarity on operational guidelines. By centralising all procedures, the platform ensures greater convenience for users by involving all related entities under one system,” the ministry said.
The first phase of the removal of restrictions will apply to companies and government agencies. This will then be expanded to other users including amateur drone operators. The timeline will be revealed at a later date.
The ban was introduced in January 2022, after a series of attempted attacks on Abu Dhabi by the Yemen-based Houthis. Restrictions on the use of aerial drones and light sports aircraft were then extended until further notice by the Ministry of Interior.
Companies with essential commercial projects were advised at the time to apply to the authority to ask for an
exemption. Firms, government institutions and organisations conducting research, testing or exhibitions can apply for operational permits using the UAE Drones application, run by the General Civil Aviation Authority.
All drone-related incidents that cause harm or pose risks must be reported through the platform, via its incident report section. “This reporting system is designed to improve drone safety standards while upholding the security of individuals and property,” the statement said.
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Devesh Mamtani from Century Financial believes the cash-hoarding tendency of each generation is influenced by what stage of the employment cycle they are in. He offers the following insights:
Baby boomers (those born before 1964): Owing to market uncertainty and the need to survive amid competition, many in this generation are looking for options to hoard more cash and increase their overall savings/investments towards risk-free assets.
Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980): Gen X is currently in its prime working years. With their personal and family finances taking a hit, Generation X is looking at multiple options, including taking out short-term loan facilities with competitive interest rates instead of dipping into their savings account.
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How to improve Arabic reading in early years
One 45-minute class per week in Standard Arabic is not sufficient
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In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
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Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE
Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:
• Buy second hand stuff
They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.
• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres
Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.
• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.
Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.
• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home
Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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