NOC to fly a drone during an event - Dubai Civil Aviation Authority

You begin by submitting the basic event information, including the date, venue, purpose of drone usage, operational timings, and pilot/company details. This helps the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority assess whether the drone activity impacts restricted or sensitive pockets of UAE Airspace.

The authority evaluates the proposed flight path, altitude, and proximity to crowd zones, venue boundaries, and any nearby aviation routes. During this stage, they determine if additional clarifications or third-party approvals are required.(This is where the applicable fee of AED 5,000 + an additional AED 20 service charge is processed as part of the application.)

Events held near airports, government buildings, or high-density areas undergo a deeper assessment. If the location intersects with a Civil Defense jurisdictional safety point, you may be required to secure their clearance before the NOC is finalized.

Once internal checks are complete, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority issues the NOC that formally authorizes the drone activity for the event date and location. This approval includes operational boundaries you must follow, such as maximum altitude and permitted operational timings in the UAE Airspace.

On the event day, pilots must follow the conditions set by the authority—this includes sticking to the approved flight radius, avoiding unapproved elevation changes, and halting flights if weather or safety risks arise. Any deviation from the approved specifications can result in fines or cancellation of the NOC.