In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued Law No. (11) of 2020 on Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA).

The Law, which will regulate the civil aviation sector in Dubai, will apply to DCAA and all businesses and activities related to aircraft and airports in the sector. Air navigation and aviation activities in Dubai including air control, air cargo and operation of balloons will be under the purview of the new Law.

The Law seeks to consolidate Dubai’s global leadership in civil aviation, enhance its attractiveness as a destination for aviation businesses and further enhance safety, security and sustainability in the sector. The Law also aims to ensure the optimal regulation of the civil aviation sector and further strengthen the effectiveness of the regulatory and supervisory oversight exercised by the DCAA, in collaboration with other government entities.

Law No. (11) of 2020 stipulates that the DCAA will formulate general aviation policies in Dubai and carry out activities related to civil aviation operations in accordance with federal legislation and international agreements. In addition, DCAA will propose legislations related to civil aviation and participate in all quality control activities conducted by international and federal entities including inspection and testing.

Under the new law, DCAA is authorised to sign agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) related to air traffic rights to operate via Dubai airports, and implement them in coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The DCAA is also responsible for permitting operators and those holding licences issued by the GCAA to operate scheduled and chartered flights to Dubai.

The DCAA is responsible for ensuring airlines operating in Dubai comply with the clauses of agreements related to air traffic rights granted to foreign carriers; and regulating drone operations and related activities in the emirate. DCAA is also tasked with regulating air freight, ensuring the safety and security of Dubai airport infrastructure and systems, as well as protecting the civil aviation sector from unlawful interference and dangerous air freight goods, in coordination with GCAA.

According to the law, DCAA’s Director General will be appointed by a decree issued by the Dubai Ruler.

DCAA will represent Dubai locally and internationally in civil aviation matters including negotiations and discussions related to air traffic rights, air space, air navigation in Dubai, investigation of disasters, accidents and emergencies related to civil aviation.

Law No. (11) of 2020 replaces Law No. (19) of 2010 on DCAA and annuls any other regulation that may contradict the new law. Decisions, instructions and rules issued to implement Law No. (19) of 2010 remain effective as far as they do not contradict the new law and its bylaws, until decisions and rules replacing them are issued.

The Law will be effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) was established in 2007 pursuant to Law No. 21 of 2007, as the successor to the Department of Civil Aviation that was established on 18th March 1971, and under the direction of His Highness the Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, to oversee all civil aviation matters and to implement the national laws and regulations related to aviation in the emirate.

It may be mentioned that the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has contributed to the development of Dubai’s aviation sector. It included various areas in the aviation industry to various responsibilities such as safety, security and aviation environment, consumer protection, management of air services at Dubai Airports, management of aviation business activities, international relations and more. In addition, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority works closely with international and regional civil aviation authorities around the world.

The Authority has successfully hosted several conferences and forums with the presence of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to develop the civil aviation sector internationally. It hosted the ICAO Global Air Transport Liberalization Symposium in 2006 and hosted the first ICAO-sponsored Air Transport Negotiations Conference in 2008. These two events have had a significant impact on the development of international air transport globally.

In 2015, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed issued Law No. 7 “Safety and Security of Dubai Airspace” to make Dubai the global leader in the regulation of the use of Drones / UAV, and enabled the authority to review and update its services.

Accordingly In 2016, the Authority launched an electronic service to regulate the registration of Drones / UAV for individual and commercial users. In 2017, the real time Drones / UAV tracking system “Sky Commander” was launched to monitor their movement and implemented an awareness campaign on the safe use of remotely piloted aircraft, training and how to register.

The Authority has focused  on evolving its services through digitalisation to develop the aviation sector and contribute toward ease of business in the Emirate of Dubai, which would help in making Dubai to become The World Airport. The executive council decision No. (4) in 2017 defines fifty two services (52), which includes permits, applications for approvals and issuance of no objection certificates. All these services can be obtained in the Authority’s website and mobile application.