🖐 The Burj Khalifa is one of the most iconic landmark in Dubai. The highest building in the world attracts thousands of tourists every year, many of whom wish to capture the view from above using a drone. However, flying a drone in this area requires a permit. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to obtain a permit to fly a drone above The Burj Khalifa. Give a 👍 at the end of this post & feel free to share your experience or any updates you might have in the UAE Drone Forum. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our knowledge & does not replace official sources & your research.
The Burj Khalifa is in the United Arab Emirates which follows the common rules of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). If you're looking for the unmanned aerial vehicle rules of United Arab Emirates then click here.
In a nutshell, no matter where in UAE, you should fly:
at a maximum altitude of 122 m above the ground and within sight.
only during good weather & during day time only.
away from private property, people or large crowds & respect individuals' privacy.
frequency band restrictions: 29.7-47.0 MHz max power 10 mW, or 2400-2500 MHz max power 100 mW. (if you fly a gas engine drone, this can only be done in clubs).
fly a drone of less than 5 kg* (above should only be in registered clubs)
without recording any videos or photos
at least 5 km away from airports, heliport & give priority to all other categories of aircraft. If you see an aircraft during your flight, land immediately.
do not drop or carry anything from your drone.
avoiding sensitive areas including urban areas, government & military facilities.
never fly above a fire or any site where emergencies are required as you could interrupt their operation and delay their intervention.
*If heavier than 25 kg, you will need to be at least 21 years young.
Can I fly a drone over The Burj Khalifa?
The Burj Khalifa stands 828m tall and we've just learned that the maximum height to fly your drone is 122m, so you're going to need a permit. Before you start the permit application process, it's essential to understand the regulations surrounding drones in Dubai. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has strict regulations on drone flights in the city, and it is important to follow them to avoid any legal trouble.
Catching a plane to visit Dubai? Be compliant & get your fireproof lipo battery bags
Drone Fly Map for Burj Khalifa, Dubai
✅ Dubai recently launched their no fly zone drone map which allows you to plan your flight's details and the software will remind you where you need a permit.
Depending on the purpose of your drone flight, you may need to obtain permits from the DCAA. For example, if you are flying a drone for commercial purposes, you will need to obtain a commercial drone license. It is important to obtain the necessary permits before flying your drone near Burj Khalifa.
🚨 Understandably, recreational drones are not allowed to fly over landmark sites, including The Burj Khalifa, without a permit. There are several reasons for you to need a permit but the main one being the amount of activity happening in this amazing place. The Burj Khalifa is indeed one of the busiest places in the world as it welcomes:
17 millions visitors each year, that's 47,000 people everyday !
Is open from 9am to 8pm almost everyday of the year.
Its the tallest building in the world 😅
When combining all these factors, it is easy to understand why the Burj Khalifa is so regulated when it comes to fly nearby with a drone.
How do I apply for a permit to fly near the Burj Khalifa in Dubai?
The next step is to identify the appropriate authority to apply for a permit. In this case, the permit must be obtained from the City Council of Dubai, specifically from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. You will need to apply online via and you can choose between:
The process to obtain either permit to fly your drone over Dubai itself is quite simple and can be summed up into these 5 steps:
Create an account on the DCAA website
Apply for the drone permit (from the options listed above)
Pay online a flat fee of AED100 (about $30) for recreational permits
If your case doesn't require further infomration, you will get an instant permit
Print your certificate and carry with you when flying your drone over the city
To apply for a drone permit, you will need to provide certain documents, including:
an ID photo/document
photos of your drone
a drone training certificate/license
⏰ Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit the application to the Dubai Cil Aviation Authority. The application must be submitted at least 5 days before the planned flight date. The confirmation is usually instant but if you need a follow up, yo can contact them via:
Phone: (+971 4777 0000)
Email: info@dcaa.gov.ae
Onsite: DCAA is located within Dubai Airports Building, Terminal 1 (Arrivals)
In conclusion, flying a drone near Burj Khalifa can be a thrilling experience, but it is important to follow the regulations and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight. By following these steps and precautions, you can enjoy a memorable drone flight near one of the world's most iconic buildings.
Where else can I fly my drone in Dubai?
✅ Dubai is overall quite adrone friendly city with many areas where you won't need a permit to take off with your drone. To find out where you can fly, the best is to check the GCAA website.
Travelling to Dubai? Need the best travel drone? Click here
✅ Please leave a comment or update UAE Drone Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone over Dubai! 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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