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.

Also Read: SpaceX Inspiration4 Tourists Share Incredible Photos Of Earth

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

Yabi Introduces AI Financial Coach For Smarter Money Moves

The app provides real-time, personalized financial guidance, helping UAE residents manage money smarter, reduce debt, and build wealth effortlessly.

Published

19 hours ago

February 22, 2025

Nour Nasir

Yabi

Imagine having 24/7 access to an expert financial advisor — someone who understands your spending habits, helps you save more effectively, and offers guidance for every financial decision. That’s the vision behind Yabi’s revamped platform, an AI-driven finance app designed to transform personal finance management in the UAE.

Unlike traditional budgeting tools, Yabi acts as an always-available AI advisor, analyzing your unique spending patterns and offering real-time, tailored financial advice. Whether you’re making everyday purchases, planning a big trip, or saving for a major milestone, Yabi keeps you on track and helps you make informed financial choices.

Rakhil Fernando, CEO of Yabi, explains the mission behind the platform: “Financial literacy is not optional — it’s essential. But most financial tools today feel outdated and overly complex. Yabi is here to change that by offering AI-powered financial coaching that’s smart, simple, and accessible to everyone in the UAE”.

Here are some of the updated app’s new features:

AI-Powered Financial Coach: A 24/7 digital advisor providing real-time financial guidance based on your spending habits and available in multiple languages.
Live Insights: Connect your bank accounts for a detailed breakdown of your expenses.
Tailored Budgeting: Yabi creates a budget that fits with your actual spending habits rather than generic financial advice.
Interactive Financial Education: Learn the essentials of saving, investing, and credit management through engaging content integrated into the AI experience.
Automated Expense Tracking: Receive instant alerts on overspending, identify hidden charges, and cut unnecessary subscriptions with ease.
Credit Score & Financial Health Monitoring: Get free credit score checks and AI-driven recommendations to enhance your financial standing.

Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East

Finally, Yabi is also gearing up to introduce its own debit card and a suite of financial products, making it easier to save, spend, and invest within a single platform.

Want to try Yabi for yourself? You can download the app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.