UAE: Issues First Drone Traffic Management Licence

Gulf News, 3 October 2025: The United Arab Emirates has reached a significant milestone in drone regulation with the issuance of its first U-Space Service Provider (USSP) certification to a national air navigation organisation.

The approved organisation will operate a specialised platform for managing drone traffic throughout the UAE airspace. The system offers immediate flight approvals and incorporates radar data, weather information, and aeronautical notifications.

The newly certified platform features advanced conflict detection and avoidance capabilities, designed to support future urban air mobility operations across UAE cities.

Officials confirmed that the certification process included comprehensive operational readiness assessments and system validations to ensure compliance with international standards.

Applications for drone operations under the new system will span various sectors, including delivery services, emergency response, and infrastructure inspection.

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UAE: Announces Nationwide Push for Local Inspectors and Regulators

Al Etihad, 24 September 2025: The United Arab Emirates has launched a comprehensive initiative to increase local employment in inspection and regulatory roles across both government and private sectors.

The programme focuses on recruiting and training Emirati nationals for supervisory positions in several key areas, including: Environmental monitoring and pollution control, Food safety and consumer protection, Occupational health and safety, Infrastructure project supervision and Market quality control.

Officials have confirmed that the initiative will implement specialised training programmes incorporating artificial intelligence and digital transformation technologies to prepare local candidates for inspection and monitoring roles.

The scheme requires new inspectors to undergo extensive field training and obtain scientific qualifications to handle major infrastructure and sustainable development projects. The programme includes continuous professional development to ensure inspectors can effectively use the latest technological tools.

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UAE: Cabinet Approves Regional Industry Clusters and New Cybersecurity Policies

Khaleej Times, 17 September 2025: UAE government has approved a series of significant policy measures, including a new economic clusters initiative and comprehensive cybersecurity reforms.

The National Policy for Economic Clusters will establish industry-specific zones across the emirates, focusing on financial services, tourism, space, communications, and food sectors.

The Cabinet also endorsed new cybersecurity policies introducing unified information security standards and enhanced monitoring systems. The framework includes measures for risk management and rapid response protocols.

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UAE: Legal Experts Call For New Digital Media and AI Regulations

Legal experts have highlighted the need for updated legislation to address challenges posed by digital media and artificial intelligence.

The seminars specifically addressed data protection and user rights in the digital space, alongside discussions about the opportunities and risks associated with AI deployment in digital media. Participants evaluated whether current legal frameworks provide adequate protection for personal data and user rights.

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UAE: Government Updates Free Zone Tax Rules and Price Reporting Guidelines

The Finance Ministry has issued two new ministerial decisions that revise regulations for corporate tax activities in free zones and establish official price reporting mechanisms.

The first decision, Ministerial Decision No. 229/2025, replaces previous legislation and broadens the definition of qualifying commodity trading. The updated rules now encompass industrial chemicals, associated by-products, and environmental commodities, whilst also clarifying treasury and financing services regulations for related parties.

Key changes include the removal of the phrase “in raw form” from commodity trading requirements, allowing for expanded trading of metals, minerals, industrial chemicals, energy and agricultural commodities. These items must maintain a quoted price from recognised exchanges or approved price reporting agencies.

Another decision, Ministerial Decision No. 230/2025, provides an official list of recognised price reporting agencies, offering greater clarity for tax compliance.

The legislation also introduces new provisions for self-investment activities and clarifies rules regarding the distribution of goods from designated zones, particularly concerning transactions with public benefit entities.

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