Sharjah has introduced a new law regulating the drone sector across the emirate, issued by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, setting broad controls on all drone operations.
The legislation applies to all drones regardless of use or control systems, covering the entire emirate including free zones and special development areas, and extends to individuals operating drones for public entities.
Military and security drones are exempt, along with other exemptions that may be granted by the Chief of Civil Aviation on grounds of public interest or operational need.
The move aligns with the UAE’s dual-layer regulatory framework, which requires compliance with both federal rules under the General Civil Aviation Authority and emirate-level requirements.
Officials have previously noted that operators must follow regulations in their emirate of residence in addition to national rules, reinforcing multi-tier oversight of the sector.
The law comes amid ongoing restrictions on recreational drone use in parts of the country, including suspension in Dubai under the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority following safety concerns.
The UAE had imposed a nationwide drone and light aircraft ban in 2022 after violations, later easing it through a licensing and registration system via a unified platform that has since registered thousands of drones and operators.
Authorities say the framework remains focused on residents, with potential future expansion to other user categories, as the country tightens regulation alongside growing commercial and industrial drone use.