A ban on drones was first introduced in 2022. Photo: Alamy
A ban on drones was first introduced in 2022. Photo: Alamy
A ban on drones was first introduced in 2022. Photo: Alamy
A ban on drones was first introduced in 2022. Photo: Alamy

Personal drone ban partly lifted by UAE authorities


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A ban on people in the UAE flying drones has been partly lifted, the Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday.

Coming into effect immediately, the authority, along with the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and General Civil Aviation Authority, noted that the use of drones will be subject to specific safety conditions aimed at protecting the community and airspace.

Detailed guidelines and requirements for drone use are available through the UAE Drones app and the official government website, the announcement added.

The first phase of the removal of restrictions came into force in November, applying to companies and government agencies.

“This plan prioritises the safety of airspace and ensures the protection of society, individuals and property,” the ministry said in a statement at the time.

Why were drones banned?

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.

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Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

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Sugary teas and iced coffees

The tax authority is yet to release a list of the taxed products, but it appears likely that sugary iced teas and cold coffees will be hit.

For instance, the non-fizzy drink AriZona Iced Tea contains 65 grams of sugar – about 16 teaspoons – per 680ml can. The average can costs about Dh6, which would rise to Dh9.

Cold coffee brands are likely to be hit too. Drinks such as Starbucks Bottled Mocha Frappuccino contain 31g of sugar in 270ml, while Nescafe Mocha in a can contains 15.6g of sugar in a 240ml can.

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Day 2 at the Gabba

Australia 312-1 

Warner 151 not out, Burns 97,  Labuschagne 55 not out

Pakistan 240 

Shafiq 76, Starc 4-52

KINGDOM%20OF%20THE%20PLANET%20OF%20THE%20APES
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1st Test Lord's, London from Thursday to Monday

2nd Test Nottingham from July 14-18

3rd Test The Oval, London from July 27-31

4th Test Manchester from August 4-8

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Updated: January 07, 2025, 6:26 PM