Sharjah plans stricter controls on drone operations under new law

Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) approved a draft law for 2026 with respect to regulating the use of drones after introducing a number of amendments.

The draft law was discussed in SCC’s 16th session within its work for the third regular session of the 11th legislative term, which was held at its headquarters in Sharjah and chaired by Halima Hamid Al Owais, Chairperson of SCC.

The session was attended by Sheikh Khalid Bin Esam Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Sultan Bin Abdullah Al Thani, Director of the Department of Civil Aviation, and representatives from the Government of Sharjah’s Legal Department.

The draft law regulates the use of drones of all types and for all purposes and uses, Al Qasimi said, explaining the reasons that prompted the government to prepare and regulate this law and its legislative and legal importance in the context of the vision of the Emirate of Sharjah.

The council members discussed what was included in the draft law and focused on the general framework that regulated this vital and growing sector and what it required in terms of precise regulations that would keep pace with the rapid technological developments with a view to ensuring the highest levels of safety and security.

The SCC members presented a number of opinions on the articles of the draft law and the government representatives responded to the inquiries through the legal interpretation of those articles.

They also discussed aspects of the work in implementing the law including procedures for registering drones and classifying them into categories and types according to the nature of use and regulations related to control and operating systems.

Regulating the use of landing pads designated for helicopters and determining the areas allowed to fly, altitudes, airspaces, operational requirements and legal obligations incumbent upon users were also discussed.