The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced a total ban on all types of drones and light sports aircraft across the country, citing current exceptional circumstances.

In a statement shared on its official social media channels, the aviation authority said all operating permits for gliders, paragliders, drones (UAVs), and recreational or light sports aircraft have been suspended.

The GCAA stressed that compliance with the ban is mandatory, warning that anyone violating the decision will face legal action.

Safety and security measures

According to the authority, the decision was taken in light of the current circumstances and as part of efforts to strengthen safety measures and protect the UAE’s airspace.

Officials also urged the public to cooperate with the measure, emphasising that adherence to the regulations is essential to ensure the safety and security of everyone.

Earlier suspension

Earlier this month, on March 1, the GCAA had already suspended all flight permits for drones, gliders, and hobby aircraft for one week.

During that suspension period, operating or flying these aircraft within UAE airspace was strictly prohibited.

The authority has now confirmed that the ban remains in place nationwide, reinforcing the country’s aviation safety protocols.

Dubai Police have warned motorists against stopping on the road shoulder without necessity, urging drivers to move their vehicles to the nearest safe parking area outside the roadway in case of a breakdown or emergency.

Authorities stressed that unjustified stopping on the road shoulder is a dangerous traffic violation that can lead to serious accidents and disrupt traffic flow on busy highways.

The warning comes after a fatal run-over incident on Sheikh Zayed Road before the Al Yalayis Bridge heading towards Abu Dhabi, where a person lost his life after a vehicle stopped unsafely on the left road shoulder.

Brigadier Juma bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said the incident occurred after two vehicles were involved in a collision. Both drivers stopped their vehicles on the left road shoulder next to the first fast lane — an area where stopping is prohibited except in emergency situations due to the risks involved.

According to Brigadier bin Suwaidan, one of the drivers exited his vehicle to inspect the damage caused by the collision. At that moment, another vehicle approaching from behind encountered him on the roadway.

“Due to the vehicle’s speed and the short distance, the driver was unable to avoid him, resulting in the victim being run over and dying at the scene,” he explained.

Brigadier bin Suwaidan noted that excessive speed and failure to maintain a safe following distance contributed to the severity of the incident. He urged motorists to adhere to speed limits, remain attentive to road conditions and anticipate unexpected situations on highways.

He also emphasised that Dubai Police will continue enforcing strict penalties against dangerous traffic behaviours that endanger lives and property.

The traffic official further explained that stopping on the road shoulder is considered a serious violation that can lead to severe accidents, causing injuries and fatalities.

“The road shoulder is designated strictly for emergencies such as sudden vehicle breakdowns or medical emergencies and must not be used for any other purpose,” he said.

Brigadier bin Suwaidan also highlighted the importance of raising driver awareness about avoiding such behaviour except in exceptional circumstances. He advised motorists to move their vehicles to the safe right side of the road when possible and avoid stopping in dangerous locations on highways.

UAE authorities have announced an update to the National Early Warning System, introducing changes to the alert sound schedule.

From 9am to 10:30pm, the existing high-tone siren will continue to signal the start of an alert, while the standard text message tone will indicate that the alert has ended.

From 10:30pm to 9:00am, the standard text message tone will be used for both alert notifications and all-clear signals.

Officials said the system will remain fully operational to ensure timely public safety alerts reach residents when needed.

Authorities added that the early warning system is a key component of the national preparedness framework and urged the public to follow any official instructions issued alongside alerts to help ensure their safety.