Filmingvideos solely on the ground can be a tad boring, no? That is the case since social media is rife with unique aerial videos! Whether you need videos for personal celebrations or brand promotions, drone videography is the means of spectacular footage. However, when opting for drone filming in the UAE, there are regulations for aerial drone videography in the UAE to consider. Dubai and the rest of the UAE have some seriously strict laws about the use of drones. To rest easy about the production process and results, go for a drone filming company in Dubaicompliant with these. You’ll have smooth sailing all the way!
Regulations for Aerial Drone Videography in the UAE You Should Know
Need your beautiful moments in a video via aerial drones at your wedding ceremony? Or do you need drone videography an out-of-the-box social media and TV commercial? Start out with diligence about the drone laws in United Arab Emirates. Sure, using drones is legal in Dubai as per the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), but there’s a legal checklist to tick off!
When you hire a video production company that specializes in drone filming, be absolutely sure about their compliance techniques. Ask follow-up questions prior to hiring them. Here’s all you need to know about regulations for aerial drone videography in the UAE—read on!
· Is the drone registered?
According to the GCAA, drone registration is necessary before a drone takes flight. Whether you are hiring an independent photographer/videographer to cover your special occasion or partnering up with a video production company for brand videography, make sure they are using registered drones.
· What is the weight of the drone?
The GCAA has released a drone hub mobile application, which essentially contains guidelines—complete with maps for Dubai. Drones that weigh 5 kg or less can fly inside certain boundaries. On the other hand, drones more than 5 kg can fly inside flying clubs approved by the GCAA. Also, there is an age limit on flying drones weighing over 25 kg—only people ages 21 and above qualify. If you are choosing aerial drone footage for commercial reasons, the team you hire may use a state-of-the-art heavy drone. So, make sure they operate according to regulations for aerial drone videography in the UAE.
· Where and how high can the drone go?
In UAE, the height restriction for drone flying is 400 feet above the ground, and no higher. Plus, every drone pilot needs to keep the drone in their line of sight and stay connected via radio link. Also, nighttime drone flying can be a legal problem. As for the ‘where’ part: no flying near any public or private property in Dubai (unless you have permission).
· What are the rules about collisions & damage?
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in the UAE also has super-strict rules for drone filming in UAE concerning accidents. Think of hiring a video production team for drone filming the same as renting a car with a chauffeur. There are conditions for flying the drone with immense care about other people and their property. Collision and property damage can land your team (and even you) in serious trouble.Make sureyou team up with a pilot with certifications and training in filming using a drone!
· Are there any off-limits areas in Dubai for drone flying?
As in any other country in the world, there are drone laws in United Arab Emirates involving restricted areas for drone flying. The drone hub mobile app by the GCAA can give you a precise idea about the areas off-limits to both personal and professional drones. However, to cover the basics, these are the places/areas/zones that come under flying restriction:
- UAE airports, heliports, airfields, and landing sites (maintain a 5 km radius distance)
- Residential areas (unless you have permission from the residents and housing authority)
- Private areas, public properties, roads, and bridges (maintain at least 200 meters distance)
· Do commercial filming drones need special permissions?
Media companies and other businesses that need to use a drone for professional purposes should start by registering the drone. The next step is passing the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) by the GCAA. However, the permission for commercial filming and these rules for drone filming in UAE apply to certain industries only. These include agriculture, inspection, media, weather forecasting, and more. Your video production company comes under the list of permitted businesses. That is, as long as they have the right permissions and certifications!
Final Notes
If you want to go for aerial drone videography, go for approval documents from these government departments in Dubai:
- The Civil Aviation Authority of Dubai
- The Dubai Film & TV Commission
- The Ministry of Defense
These permissions are the key reason why you should go for a reliable and well-reputed video production company in Dubai rather than handling drone filming yourself. A professional video production team can fast-track the permissions process given they are already registered for drone filming and have experienced complying with drone regulations—giving you much-needed peace of mind!