Dubai Municipality and Dubai Civil Aviation Authority have marked the successful completion of establishing planning standards for drone routes and landing zones in low-altitude airspace. The innovative project that is in line with aviation and construction regulations significantly enhances Dubai’s preparedness to utilize drones and expand the scope of related services. It comes as part of a comprehensive planning and regulatory framework that supports Dubai’s objectives, strategies, and long-term plans for air transportation. Drone delivery in Dubai will soon become a reality following the announcement on Wednesday.
Called ‘Dubai Horizons’, the first phase of the project by Dubai Municipality and Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) was completed at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), where an evaluation of low-altitude airspace planning, drone operations, privacy policy, and air navigation safety was carried out. Dawoud Al Hajri, director general of Dubai Municipality, said that the ‘Dubai Horizons’ project is one of the major initiatives being carried out by Dubai Municipality in partnership with Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and other strategic partners. The project further represents the municipality’s continuous efforts to embrace cutting-edge technologies and adopt new-age solutions. In doing so, it aims to create a leading geospatial system and implement innovative projects that support the readiness of the infrastructure as well as its capability to swiftly adapt to contemporary aeronautical mapping technologies. Additionally, the project seeks to enhance air navigation security and safety standards while also promoting a favorable investment climate in the sector.
“Once completed, the ‘Dubai Horizons’ project is set to substantially improve Dubai’s readiness to use drones and air delivery services with clear and well-defined routes. By providing the necessary data for drone operations with utmost precision and following best international standards and practices, the project is set to reinforce Dubai’s leadership and competitiveness on a global level,” Al Hajri added.
Last month, DSO also hosted a three-week-long BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) trial or the operation of drones at distances outside the normal visible range of a (human) pilot. The trial showcased the safe and secure transportation of several consumer goods within DSO.The drones used for the trials showcased their proprietary connectivity system, navigation system, and multiple safety tools that include parachute and collision avoidance, among others.
