Cabinet Approves Draft Decree-Law on Regulating the Use of Drones

The Council of Ministers approved a draft decree-law on the regulation of the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), light sport aircraft, air sports, and related activities. This came in accordance with a statement issued by the Council of Ministers following its meeting held today, Tuesday, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The draft decree-law aims to establish a comprehensive legislative framework that specifies the conditions for registration, licensing, authorization, and operation of such aircraft, as well as outlining obligations, prohibitions, and penalties for violations. The draft decree-law, comprising 44 articles distributed across six chapters, was introduced due to the risks posed by the unregulated use of these aircraft, which could endanger air navigation safety, national security, public order, individual privacy, and the safety of persons and property. Additionally, misuse of such aircraft could threaten airports, critical infrastructure, and restricted or prohibited zones. The draft decree-law assigns the Public Authority for Civil Aviation the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of the law’s provisions, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, security and military authorities, and relevant government entities. The Council of Ministers has submitted the draft decree-law to His Highness the Amir of the State, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect and support him.