News

UAE Bans Recreational Drone Use Following Deadly Attack

Those who break the new rule and get caught flying their drones can face financial penalties or go to jail for up to three years.

Published

3 years ago

January 26, 2022

David Morelo

uae bans recreational drone use following deadly attack

DJI

Drones have many legitimate uses, from capturing the world from the bird’s-eye view for journalism and film to delivering packages and even precious cargo like defibrillators to playing an important role in search and rescue operations. But just like every other technology, a drone can be used both for good and evil.

Recently, a drone attack on an important oil facility in Abu Dhabi killed three people and led to a fire at Abu Dhabi’s international airport. The attack was claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have since then launched more attacks against the United Arab Emirates and its neighbor, Saudi Arabia.

Based on currently available information, it seems that the attackers have strapped bombs to large consumer-grade drones with enough carrying capacity and battery power to take them to their destination.

“Several attacks, a combination of cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones, targeted civilian sites in the UAE” said Yousef Al-Otaiba, UAE ambassador to Washington. “Several were intercepted, a few of them didn’t and three innocent civilians, unfortunately, lost their lives”.

In response to the attacks, the UAE has banned hobbyists from flying their drones and other light aircraft, such as gliders. Those who break the new rule and get caught flying their devices can face financial penalties or go to jail for up to three years, reports the Dubai-based Khaleej Times.

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Even before this announcement, drone enthusiasts in the UAE have already been required by law to obtain a certificate from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. The certification process is now put on indefinite hold, and its official website displays an error message.

According to the Ministry of Interior, exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis for work contracts or commercial or advertising projects that rely on filming using drones.

News

“AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships

The new mandatory certification is designed to build trust in AI companies and create a reliable network of providers for government and public collaboration.

Published

19 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Nour Nasir

ai seal certification now required for dubai gov partnerships

Dubai Media Office

Dubai has introduced the Dubai AI Seal, a certification designed to establish trust in artificial intelligence (AI) companies and solutions. This initiative, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aims to create a reliable network of AI providers which government entities and businesses can collaborate confidently.

Companies must now obtain the AI Seal to qualify for UAE or Dubai government contracts. The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), which developed the certification, sees it as a competitive edge for companies looking to participate in key national projects. Once certified, businesses will be permitted to showcase the seal across their websites and marketing materials, signaling their credibility and dependability.

The evaluation process will consider six main criteria: the company’s services and operations, the number of employees specializing in AI, ongoing and future projects, as well as existing partnerships with public and private sector entities.

dubai ai seal certification

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, which oversees the DCAI, commented on the initiative’s potential: “This initiative will help create powerful partnerships between the public and private sectors, locally, regionally, and globally. It will help drive new economic opportunities by leveraging AI to serve better the economy, society, and the future we aspire to”.

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The Dubai AI Seal’s goals include providing a clear framework for verifying AI providers, fostering business opportunities for AI companies, and acknowledging the industry’s strategic importance to Dubai’s economy. The initiative emphasizes AI’s role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening collaboration between government bodies and technology firms.

All technology companies operating in Dubai and offering AI-related services or products are eligible to apply for the certification at no cost through the official website.