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

5 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

New Disney+ Streaming App Has Officially Launched In The UAE

The app’s recommendations now factor in what’s popular in the UAE, and a dedicated Junior Mode gives kids their own corner of Disney+.

Published

4 days ago

October 9, 2026

Dana Saadeh

Disney

A new Disney+ app has officially launched in the UAE, and subscribers can now keep watching their favorite titles when they travel. Disney+ says access extends across supported markets in Europe, the United States and beyond.

The app is built around a dynamic homepage and simpler navigation, with recommendations drawn from each customer’s viewing habits and what’s popular in the UAE. Content from Hulu and ESPN is now easier to find alongside Disney+’s own library, the company says. Audio and subtitles come in up to 25 languages, and supported devices get high-quality video and sound.

For families, the app includes Junior Mode, a dedicated, simplified version of Disney+ for younger viewers, built around age-appropriate shows and movies. It sits alongside existing controls such as PIN-protected profiles, customizable content ratings and account notifications when a profile is changed.

The catalog still spans Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu and FX. Returning series include Season 8 of “The Kardashians,” Season 23 of “Grey’s Anatomy” and Season 38 of “The Simpsons”. Also on the service are the second season of International Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning series “Rivals,” comedy “Only Murders in the Building,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootropolis 2” and 20th Century Studios’ “Send Help”.

Also Read: Best Video Streaming Services In The Middle East

Marvel Television’s “VisionQuest” is on the way, and Disney’s live-action “Moana” is due later this autumn. Beyond Hollywood, the Turkish title “Halef” is coming to the platform alongside a lineup of Korean entertainment: Korean-Japanese romantic comedy “Merry Berry Love” is streaming now, and “The Remarried Empress” arrives November 4.

Existing subscribers will be prompted to download the new app and sign in with their current credentials, with on-screen steps covering account confirmation and profile setup. Subscriptions start at AED 49.99 per month and can be canceled at any time.

For UAE subscribers planning to travel, the update will likely be well received, but Disney has left one question open. It confirms Europe and the United States as supported markets but doesn’t yet say which others fall under and beyond.