Commercial drone operations in the UAE have been brought under strict regulatory guidelines.

Commercial drone operations in the UAE have been brought under strict regulatory guidelines. The new guidelines makes it mandatory for all commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to obtain insurance coverage in an effort to protect both the operator and the companies hiring the facility as well as other parties exposed to risks brought about due to the operation of the UAV.

Commercial drone operations in the UAE have been brought under strict regulatory guidelines. The new guidelines makes it mandatory for all commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to obtain insurance coverage in an effort to protect both the operator and the companies hiring the facility as well as other parties exposed to risks brought about due to the operation of the UAV.

The announcement was made during a recent forum organised by the Dubai Police in partnership with the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) in an effort to promote both best practices of drone operations and maintenance and safe use of UAVs.

UAVs like any other flying objects are prone to accidents, causing damage not just to the body but to the attached cameras and instruments and external properties as well. Accidents and/or misuse can also result in liabilities to third parties by way of property damage, bodily injuries or interruptions.

There have been several instances where unmanned vehicles have flown into unauthorized zones causing serious security concerns to authorities.

According to media reports Dubai International Airport was closed for 55 minutes in 2015 following unauthorised drone activity in the vicinity. In 2016 there were three separate incidents causing disruptions to air traffic and diversion of flights, resulting in damages worth several millions of dirhams.

It is crucial for commercial drone operators to obtain liability insurance to protect themselves from such unforeseen circumstances.