Head of Civil Aviation Authority: Drone Regulation Law is a pioneering step

The Chairman of the Public Authority for Civil Aviation, Sheikh Engineer Hamoud Mubarak Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, affirmed that the issuance of the law regulating the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), light sport aircraft, air sports, and related activities constitutes an important and pioneering step in Kuwait toward regulating these activities and enhancing the safety of air navigation in the country.

Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Al-Sabah told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Sunday that the law is the result of coordinated government efforts aimed at strengthening the legislative framework and completing the legal structure governing these activities, in alignment with accepted international regulations and in coordination with relevant state authorities.

He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the support of the political leadership, which significantly contributed to the swift issuance of the law, describing it as an achievement and a source of pride for the State of Kuwait in regulating this new type of aviation activity. He also thanked and commended all the efforts exerted by government agencies, particularly the Ministries of Defense, Interior, Justice, and the Office of the Attorney General and Legislation, for their substantial contribution to finalizing the draft law.

He clarified that the draft law regulates the conditions for registration, licensing, authorization, and operation for the use of UAVs, light sport aircraft, air sports, and related activities. It also specifies obligations, prohibitions, and penalties prescribed for non-compliant use.

He stressed that regulating these activities aims to address the unregulated use of UAVs and light sport aircraft, and the resulting risks that threaten air navigation safety, public order, individual privacy, and the safety of persons and property. It also addresses potential threats to airports, critical infrastructure, and prohibited or restricted areas arising from the misuse of such aircraft.

Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Al-Sabah affirmed that the Public Authority for Civil Aviation will oversee the implementation of the law’s provisions in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, security and military authorities, and relevant government agencies. This coordination aims to enhance collaboration among various entities and ensure that these activities are regulated within accepted frameworks.

He expressed his appreciation for the tireless efforts of the officials and technical staff at the Public Authority for Civil Aviation in preparing the draft law and fulfilling its requirements, in accordance with accepted international regulations, contributing to the development of the civil aviation system in the State of Kuwait.

Decree-Law No. 89 of 2026 concerning the regulation of the use of UAVs, light sport aircraft, air sports, and related activities entered into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette (Al-Kuwait Al-Yaum). The law aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework governing the use of these aircraft and safeguarding the security and safety of the country’s airspace.

The decree prohibits the use of any aircraft prior to obtaining approval from the Ministry of Interior. Violation of this provision carries a penalty of imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years and a fine of not less than 1,000 Kuwaiti dinars and not more than 2,000 Kuwaiti dinars, or either of these penalties.

The legislation establishes an integrated system for registration, licensing, and permits. No aircraft may be operated within Kuwait without obtaining an operation license from the Public Authority for Civil Aviation. Furthermore, piloting an aircraft or assisting in its piloting without a license is prohibited. Licenses are issued in accordance with Kuwait’s aviation safety rules and regulations and after obtaining approval from the Ministry of Interior.