🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all law links & known rules about recreational & commercial drone use in Bahrain (Manama). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in The Forum. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our ability & does not replace official sources & your own research.
Recreational vs Commercial drone use in Bahrain
Bahrain does not seem to differentiate commercial & recreational drone use - see our post to differentiate recreational vs commercial drone usage. Both uses are subject to restrictions & a strict code of conduct. Additionally, depending on the weight of your drone, different rules may apply.
✅ In Bahrain, drone regulation falls under the Ministry of Transportation and Telecomunications (CAA) & they can be contacted anytime via;
Email: pr@mtt.gov.bh
Phone: (+973) 17 337878
Mail: Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, P.O. Box 10325
🚨 To own and/or operate a drone in Bahrain, you will need a written authorisation from both the Ministry of Interior and the Bahrain Defense Force.
✅ The country differentiates four drone weight classes:
less than 5 kg
between 5 kg & 25 kg
above 25 kg
Can I bring my drone to Bahrain?
🚨 Any unmanned aerial vehicle you intend to import to Bahrain needs to be declared and registered prior your arrival, this is systematic. If you do not register it prior arrival, airport customs will most probably seize your device.
🚨 You should know that when registering a drone, you need to enter an adress located in the Kingdom. From then local authorities will have the power if necessary to:
enter the premises named on your application for inspections relating to the enforcement of this Regulation or for an aviation safety investigation.
seize anything found in any place referred to above.
🚨 Be aware of the airline you purchase to travel as some main ones will only accept your drone on-board if its batteries are detached & placed in a firecase during travel time. Most airlines will have a battery voltage limit based on the recommendation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can find more info about a specific airline here.
Where can I fly my drone in Bahrain?
🚨 Your flight area will be determined during your registration process and most likely told by relevant authorities.
Recreational & Commercial Drone use in Bahrain
🚨 Before anything you will need to register your drone (no matter what size or use intentions) prior being able to take of in Bahrain's skies.
In every category case, you will need to:
fly your drone withou creating any hazard to anyone or anything else
fly at a maximum of 122 m altitude, during daytime & always within sight.
fly away from crowds, individuals & respect privacy rights.
fly with an insurance covering all risks.
fly awaid from clouds and during good weather only.
do not carry, tow or drop anything from your UAV while in flight.
do not carry any recording devices such as a microphone or camera 📸
be at least 30 m away from any person during take off/landing moments.
fly at least 9,26 km away from airports or heliports & give priority to all other categories of aircraft & if you see n aircraft during your flight, land immediately.
Additionaly, during your flight time, all drone operator should:
hold a copy of their licence
communicate via specified frequencies (will be told upon registration).
How to register my drone in Bahrain?
✅ First things first, to be eligible you will need to be at least 18 years young by the date of submission. You will need to enter the names of anyone you intend to allow flying your UAV but will bear the utimate responsability of it at all times.
You will need to complete this sample letter and send it to the Ministry of Transports and Telecommunications. Along your application, you will need to include the following documents:
the UAV’s operating manual
prove your (& any other authorized person) competence, experience & resources to operate your drone safely
provide a copy of an insurance covering all your activities in Bahrain.
send a proof that you've paid any fees levied by the Authority
a copy of your permission to own and/or operate the UAV has been obtained from both the Ministry of Interior and the Bahrain Defense Force.
🕔 Apply for your registration at least 60 days prior your intended arrival day/time. Your registration will be valid for 3 years
🤑 The registration cost will depend on your drone's weight:
if less than 5 kg, it will be about 70€
if between 5kg & 25 kg, it will be about 240€
if heavier than 25 kg, it will be about 360€
✅ If all goes well, you will receive a certification of registration based on your needs and sepcifications given in your application. See a sample one here.
What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in Bahrain?
The amount & scope of the fine will depend on the nature & severity of your infraction. The judges will also evaluate if you intentionally committed the infraction and/or if you had any commercial purposes to do such. But the official text, specifies that the Law no. 14 of 2013 with respect to the issuance of Civil Aviation Law will be used as for reference.
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Bahrain's awesome landscapes and create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment or update the Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Bahrain! Have fun and safe flight!
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone rules and regulations.
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