Operating drones in Saudi Arabia is tightly regulated, for recreational and commercial use alike. Before you take off, you need to know who regulates it, when registration is required, what licence you need, and which areas are off-limits. This guide summarises the general framework in practical terms — but it is not legal advice, and rules change, so always verify the current details with the General Authority of Civil Aviation before any operation.
Who regulates drones in the Kingdom
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is the sole regulator for all drone operations in the Kingdom. Security coordination runs with the Ministry of Interior, so operating applications undergo a review that combines aviation safety with security screening. This means compliance is not only about technical rules but also official approvals before flying in many cases.
Do you need to register?
Registration is mandatory for any drone with a total weight of 250 grams or more (including battery and payload). After the aircraft's registration certificate is approved, a unique identification mark is issued and displayed on the body (in the form HZ-UAS-XXXX). Remote Identification (Remote ID — whether Direct/DRI or Network/NRI) has also become mandatory as of 1 January 2026.
- The threshold: 250 grams and above requires registration — lighter drones may be exempt from registration but still fall under safe-flying rules.
- A unique identification mark is displayed on the aircraft after registration is approved.
- Registration is renewed periodically (a three-year term is generally cited).
- Equipping the aircraft with Remote ID has been mandatory since the start of 2026.
The remote pilot certificate
Unlike many countries that exempt hobbyists, the Kingdom requires every pilot — recreational or commercial — to hold a remote pilot certificate from GACA. This includes passing a theoretical exam covering Saudi air law, meteorology, and human factors. More complex missions in the 'Specific Category' additionally require a practical flight test in front of an authorised examiner.
Operator permit and where flying is banned
Registration and a licence alone are not enough: an operator permit is usually required to actually conduct the flight, and it may be tied to the location, time, and mission type. There are also areas where flying over or near is prohibited without special authorisation:
- Around airports and controlled airspace — generally within 8 kilometres of the airport.
- Military installations and sensitive government sites — off-limits without explicit authorisation.
- Gatherings, events, and densely populated areas — require prior approvals.
- Vital areas and critical infrastructure — permits are coordinated with the relevant authorities.
Commercial operations
The Kingdom's drone regulatory framework (known as GACAR Part 107) follows international norms. Commercial operation — such as aerial filming, surveying, and industrial inspection — requires licensed pilots and operator permits, and often insurance documentation and documented safety procedures. Organisations engaging a professional provider should confirm it holds valid registration, licences, and permits before contracting.
Before you fly — a checklist
- Register the aircraft if it weighs 250 g or more, display the ID mark, and enable Remote ID.
- Obtain your remote pilot certificate before any flight.
- Secure the operator permit required for the location and mission in advance.
- Check restricted-area maps, and stay clear of airports and sensitive sites.
- Respect individuals' privacy, and avoid flying over gatherings without permission.
- Review the latest rules on the authority's official portal before every operation.
Important note: this guide is introductory and does not replace the official source. Rules, fees, and procedures may change, and the authoritative reference is GACA and its official unmanned-aircraft portal (uas.gaca.gov.sa). At Skyin we run drone operations with licensed pilots and proper permits; if you are planning a filming, survey, or inspection project, regulatory compliance is part of the service, not an extra burden on you.
