Legislative Confrontation of Drone Crimes in the United Arab Emirates

The drones and their use in many fields has led to the benefit and well-being of society. However, on the other hand, due to misuse, many crimes began to appear. Including the use of these planes in the invasions of privacy by taking pictures and videos, in addition to the terrorists using these planes to carry out their operations. For this purpose, the General Civil Aviation Authority in UAE issued a decision obligating all drones and remote-control aircraft used by individuals, for whatever purpose, shall be registered. Drone crimes are punishable by the penalties stated in the Penal Code No. (31) of 2021, as well as Articles 69 and 70 of the Civi Aviation Law No. 20 of 1991. The study aimed to identify the concept of drones and their different types, to search for the legislative framework for drone crimes in the UAE Penal Legislation, to define investigative and evidentiary procedures, and the jurisdiction to consider these crimes. The study concluded with a number of results, most notably: The UAE legislator obligated the registration of drones, with controls for use and operate in the UAE. Many crimes resulting from the uses of drones have emerged, represented in the violation of the privacy of community members and their properties, and traditional criminal liability rules apply to them, in addition to Articles 69 and 70 of the Civil Aviation Law No. (20) of 1991 The study concluded with many recommendations, the most important of which are: Developing an integrated law to regulate the uses of drones, whether for entertainment, commercial or service purposes in the United Arab Emirates, similar to the Dubai legislator