Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone) Service licence in the UAE
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone) Service licensing in the UAE — the authority catalogue rows we hold for this line, the approvals attached to them, and where the activity can be filed.
- IFZA (Dubai)
- 5229014
- Dubai mainland (DET)
- 5229014
Regulator approval required
What the authority says
Includes firms operating unmanned (UAV) and drones to provide various aerial services, such as, aerial photography, aerial advertising, air show, photogrammetry, Inspection, surveillance, spraying seeds and fertilizer, wildlife protection, weather forecasting, firefighting..etc.
IFZA activity catalogue · synced 5 September 2026
Where you can licence this
| Authority | Status | Code | Licence type | Approval | Facility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IFZA (Dubai) | Listed | Code5229014 | Licence typeProfessional | ApprovalRequired before the licence issues | FacilityNot restricted in the catalogue |
| Ajman Free Zone | Not listed under this name | Code— | Licence type— | Approval— | Facility— |
| Dubai mainland (DET) | Listed | Code5229014 | Licence typeProfessional | ApprovalNot stated | FacilityNot restricted in the catalogue |
Catalogue evidence, not legal advice. Authorities change activity lists without notice — confirm before you file.
Routes that list this activity
- IFZA (Dubai)Dubai address, available with Dubai Setup IndexFrom, no visaAED 12,900
Updated
Open guide - Dubai mainland (DET)Onshore trading rights, Ejari premisesFrom, no visaAED 14,000
Updated
Open guide
A route listing the activity is a starting point. The authority confirms eligibility when you apply.
Facility and premises restrictions
- IFZA (Dubai) 5229014 note
- This activity is not allowed for Freezone companies when operating in restricted areas - for other areas, it will require DCAA & SIRA approvals.
Third-party approvals
Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA)
Before licenceIFZA (Dubai)Read the authority’s process note
DCAA approval must be obtained before the license issuance; this means that you will submit the application. Once the required documents are generated in the final stage (after the license application passes the security check), we will send the documents across to apply for the approval. The client must create an account and apply for NOC online https://www.dcaa.gov.ae/services/aviation-related-activities/issuing-permit Required documents from IFZA are: 1- Initial approval (or trade license if it’s an existing company), 2- 2- TPA Letter Please make sure that the approval is addressed to: Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, not IFZA. Duration: 1-3 working days. Charge: 6,520AED/activity. Renewable every year with the same fees.
Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA)
Before licenceIFZA (Dubai)Read the authority’s process note
The approval is required from Security Industry Regulatory Agency (previously named protection system management) after license issuance for the first time. For SIRA approvals, we would recommend you approach a SIRA registered agent (Jahangir 056 902 2737 /055 525 5273) who will be assisting you to obtain the approval. Approval is renewable every year. Fees determined by SIRA.
Free zone or mainland
- IFZA lists this activity; Ajman Free Zone does not carry it under the same name, so confirm the Ajman catalogue before switching lanes.
- Dubai mainland under DET lets you invoice UAE mainland clients directly, but it expects Ejari-registered premises and runs longer than a free-zone desk package.
- Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) clearance is required before the licence issues, which breaks any advertised same-week timeline.
- IFZA (Dubai) notes: This activity is not allowed for Freezone companies when operating in restricted areas - for other areas, it will require DCAA & SIRA approvals.
Also catalogued elsewhere
The same activity name appears in other authority catalogues we track. This is a name match, not a legal equivalence, and Dubai Setup Index does not file in these zones.
- DMCC6309-99 · Service
- Meydan Free Zone5229.92
Related activities
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drone) Exporting, Selling & Maintenance & Spare PartsIFZA (Dubai) · Dubai mainland (DET)
- Aerial photography servicesIFZA (Dubai) · Dubai mainland (DET)
- Military Drones Equipping and their partsDubai mainland (DET)
- Aerial Advertising ServicesDubai mainland (DET)
- Military Unmanned Aircraft Trade and its partsDubai mainland (DET)
- Military Drones Repair and Maintenance and its partsDubai mainland (DET)
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FAQ
Can I add more activities to a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone) Service licence later?
Usually yes, as a licence amendment, subject to the authority's rules and any extra approval attached to the new line.
Does this activity need third-party approval?
Yes. Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) must clear the activity before the licence issues, so build that step into your timeline.
Licence Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone) Service with Dubai Setup Index
Compare free-zone and Dubai mainland requirements for costs, premises and how you invoice.