RIYADH — The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued thousands of permits for drones in the commercial and entertainment categories, a senior official has said.

GACA spokesman Ibrahim Al-Rusaa told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that a comprehensive update of the executive regulations governing a mechanism for operation and registration of drones will soon be issued.

Al-Rusaa warned that punitive measures will be taken against violators of the rules and regulations regarding the use of drones. “Penalties for the violations include imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding SR100,000 or both,” he said while identifying 11 major violations. These include failure of the operator to comply with the registration and operation instructions, including operation of drones without a license or permit.

Al-Rusaa said that the authority is currently working, in cooperation with the concerned agencies, to find an appropriate mechanism to regulate import and local sale of drones in the Kingdom. “Drones are currently used in the Kingdom in recreational activities and commercial purposes, such as surveying, aerial photography, industrial and agricultural inspection, and the like,” he added.

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© The Saudi Gazette 2020