I have spent the better part of a year in planning an upcoming photo/video trip this March, 2023 to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). I have written to the civil aviation authorities and completed all of the forms. At the present time, NO DRONES are allowed in the UAE. I will be leaving my
Mini 2 (for sure, also my
M3) safely at home. Even though I would be allowed to use the drone on further travels (we plan to follow on travel to Israel and Jordan). The drone is supposed to be declared at customs. They will store it for the traveler who can then pick it up on the way out of the country!
What is the reason for this harsh restriction in one of the most drone-photogenic places on earth? Here are copies of some Google postings I was easily able to find.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A drone attack claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeting a key oil facility in Abu Dhabi
killed three people on Monday and sparked a fire at Abu Dhabi's international airport. Emirati police identified the dead as two Indian nationals and one Pakistani.Jan 17, 2022
https://apnews.com › article › business-dubai-united-arab-...
Timeline: UAE under drone, missile attacks | Houthis News
https://www.aljazeera.com › news › timeline-uae-drone-...
Feb 3, 2022 — A drone attack claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels triggered a fuel tank blast at a storage facility in Abu Dhabi that killed two Indians and a ...
https://www.aljazeera.com › news › houthi-drone-attack...
Jan 18, 2022 — A deadly drone attack by Yemen's Houthis on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has exposed the country's vulnerability, analysts say, ..
So now, off the shelf drones are now becoming weaponized! They are becoming a tool of war by both sides in a current war.
The consequences of illegally sneaking my mini 2 into Dubai would be 1 year in jail and $10,000 fine!
Dubai: Following the recent ban on flying drones in the UAE, those who violate the ban can face up to five years in prison and a minimum fine of Dhiram 100,000, the UAE Public Prosecution tweeted on Wednesday.
So what would YOU do if you were me? Because of the weaponization of off the shelf drones by war fighters and terrorists, governments are being forced to deal with the potential threat.I don't like this anymore than you guys do but I am also being realistic and not packing my drone for this trip.
Dale
Miami