In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum has issued Law No. 07 of 2015 on aviation safety in the Emirate of Dubai.

The new Law aims to enhance safety and security measures in Dubai’s airspace to ensure smooth aviation according to international standards approved by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, and the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority. Further, the Law aims to organise the activities and professions in the civil aviation industry, apply best practices to insure best usage of Dubai’s airspace and prohibit all acts that may endanger airplanes, airports or any facility related to aviation services.

The Law prescribed the responsibilities and authorities assigned to Dubai Civil Aviation Authority that include supervising and approving all security and safety procedures applied in Dubai’s aviation facilities and airports, upgrading and developing aviation equipment to abide with international and domestic regulations, defining the terms and technical specifications required for helipads in coordination with concerned authorities and defining the regulations and technical specifications for warning lights installed in towers, building and helipads.

The Law also authorised Dubai Civil Aviation Authority to specify the airspace dedicated for general aviation and the regulations controlling the usage of laser, fireworks, light beams and drones. The Authority also reserves the right to inspect towers and helipads.

Pursuant to the Law, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority may inspect and monitor all civil aviation activities and civil aviation workers, and may also define any acts that constitute risk on aviation facilities, air operations, airplanes, passengers and air traffic.

The New Law obligates civil aviation workers in the Emirate of Dubai to obtain an annual permit from Dubai Civil Aviation Authority according to the terms and conditions issued by a resolution from the Director-General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.

The Law also prescribed the penalties and fines imposed on violations and the Chairman of Dubai Executive Council is authorised to define the violations and the penalties and fines imposed thereafter. Furthermore, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority may take any measures necessary to assure safe and secure aviation in the Emirate of Dubai.

The Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority may issue any required policies and procedures to implement this Law. This law annuls any other legislation that contradicts its articles. The Law is to be published in the Official Gazette, and considered valid from the date of publication.