The United Arab Emirates has banned all recreational flying of drones after a fatal attack on an oil facility and airport last week. From last Saturday drone hobbyists will face “legal liabilities” if caught piloting the devices. The ban is reportedly lasting one month, and anyone needing to operate a drone for business reasons including filming can apply to obtain the necessary permissions and licenses.
Although not mentioned in conjunction with the announcement about the ban, it is assumed that the order was made in response to the attack by Houthi rebels last week. The attack used a combination of bomb-laden drones and missiles to blow up fuel tanks in the nation’s capital Abu Dhabi. Three people were killed and a further six were injured.
Additionally last week the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority also announced the suspension of all no-objection certificates (NOCs) and permits for drone-related activities until further notice. [Via Khaleej Times]
