Dubai Civil Aviation Authority Signs MoU with Keeta Drones for Drone Delivery Operations

The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese drone company Keeta Drones, marking a significant step towards the development of drone delivery services across the emirate. The MoU, signed on Wednesday, outlines a partnership aimed at ensuring the highest standards of safety and security in Dubai’s airspace, in line with local laws, regulations, and international aviation standards.

The collaboration will focus on several key areas to facilitate the integration of drones into Dubai’s skies. These include assessing the infrastructure requirements for designated drone zones, reviewing airspace needs, and evaluating the safety and security measures required for the safe operation of drone deliveries. The DCAA emphasized that Keeta Drones will operate exclusively within these designated zones, ensuring full compliance with the authority’s regulations.

As part of the agreement, the DCAA will support Keeta Drones by helping to establish new drone flight paths and facilitating communication with relevant government agencies. This support is intended to accelerate the development of Dubai’s low-altitude aviation sector, a key component of the emirate’s broader aviation strategy.

Mohammed Abdullah Lengawi, Director General of DCAA, highlighted the authority’s commitment to fostering an environment that supports emerging aviation technologies. “We are extremely focused on creating an attractive environment for such technologies while ensuring the adequacy of our regulatory frameworks. This will enhance safety and security, streamline operational processes, and ensure coordination with various government entities,” Lengawi said.

While this partnership signals the beginning of commercial drone deliveries in Dubai, the DCAA reiterated that recreational drone use remains prohibited in the emirate. This comes after the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) lifted a ban on individual drone use earlier this week, under specific conditions. However, DCAA issued a reminder to residents on Wednesday that recreational drone flying is still not permitted in Dubai until further notice.

DCAA customer service staff confirmed to Khaleej Times that the suspension on recreational drone use remains in place, urging the public to adhere to the existing regulations. The authority advised residents to stay informed through official DCAA channels for updates on the status of drone regulations in the emirate.

As Dubai continues to explore the potential of drone technologies, this MoU with Keeta Drones is a significant step in transforming the city into a global hub for cutting-edge aviation practices, with a strong focus on safety and regulatory compliance.