Drones - Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

The Kingdom of Bahrain has established a drone regulations framework that sets out the rules and regulations for the use of drones in the country. This framework is designed to ensure the safe and responsible use of drones and to protect the public and property. The Bahrain agency responsible for drone safety, Aviation Affairs(CAA) under the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications , has provided several internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work.

Are drones allowed in Bahrain?

In Bahrain, the sky is a realm of regulated innovation. The Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) stands as the guardian of this domain, setting forth stringent rules for the operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). At the heart of these regulations is a clear mandate: no UAV may grace the Bahraini airspace without obtaining the proper permit from the CAA. The CAA states that drone operations are allowed in Bahrain, subject to regulations. Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Bahrain:

• Regardless of size or weight, all unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) shall be registered at the CAA.
• Bahrain classifies drones into three categories, with compliance varying by category.
• UAVs shall be registered as either Type A, B, or C, according to weight.
1. Type A UAV; is a UAV weighing under 5kg.
2. Type B UAV; is a UAV weighing from 5kg to 25kg inclusive.
3. Type C UAV; is a UAV weighing in excess of 25kg.

An application for registration of any Type B or Type C UAV shall be submitted by the owner or intended owner of the UAV to the CAA before importing that UAV into the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Permit Process: A Gateway to the Sky Aspiring drone operators approach this gateway with a sense of purpose. They must submit their application to operate an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV-Drones) to the CAA, within seven (7) working days prior to the intended date of operation. The applications to operate the UAV-Drones shall include the following:

1. The scope of the operation
2. The name and details of the person (or persons) intending to operate the UAV (Drone)
3. Insurance cover details for the operation
4. No objection evidence from the Bahrain Defence Force, the Ministry of Interior, or any other concerned authorities.

Applications may be submitted either in soft copy to: drone.team@mtt.gov.bh or in hard copy to: The Undersecretary of Civil Aviation Affairs
Civil Aviation Affairs
Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications
P.O. Box 10325
Building 148 Road 2403 Muharraq 224

For further information or assistance, inquiries or clarifications can be sent to: drone.team@mtt.gov.bh or pr@mtt.gov.bh The Bahrain government is committed to the safe and responsible use of drones. The initiatives mentioned above are helping to make the Kingdom a leader in the development and safe use of this technology