DJI holds seminar focused on legislative regulations covering the use of drones and robots

UAE, 18 March, 2015 – Judge Dr. Jamal Hussein Al Sumaiti, Director General of Dubai Judicial Institute (DJI), showcased the latest international experiments and best practices outside the UAE covering regulations in the use of drones and robots. The DJI Director General emphasized the importance of issuing regulatory legislations and rules to prevent the random spread and misuse of advanced technologies, which would negatively impact aviation security and the safety of lives and facilities. The discussions took place during a specialized seminar on ‘Robots and Drones’ held at Dubai Judicial Institute. The event was hosted by DJI to shed light on the growing need to adopt key legislative controls on this widely emerging technology across the UAE.

Dr. Al Sumaiti pointed out that the increasing trend towards use of drone and robot technologies in the UAE has been matched with unlimited support from the country’s wise leadership—helping to raise the bar on technical development and encourage innovation and creativity in line with ongoing efforts to position the UAE amongst the most advanced nations in the world by 2021. Al Sumaiti further discussed the draft law on regulation of work of drones, which is poised to be issued soon with an aim to create a suitable environment that positions modern technology as a key driver in meeting the UAE’s set goals and objectives, particularly in the efforts towards smart transformation.

Al Sumaiti also expressed the need to develop a clear legislative environment that can ensure optimal use of drones for development and humanitarian purposes. He added that the UAE is proactive in developing and implementing new laws designed to regulate the integration of modern technologies across major industries in order to improve services and increase people’s happiness and satisfaction—falling in line with the vision and directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“The UAE is geared up towards positioning itself as a leading proponent for regulations covering drone use. In fact, it will soon be issuing an integrated law aimed at regulating its use for recreational, research, commercial or service purposes, while also monitoring their trade and preventing their use, particularly in the air, without prior approval from specialized authorities that will be established to ensure aviation safety and security. The new law will represent a key milestone in a time where drone technologies have become a necessity to keep pace with the fast-growing smart transformation,” concluded Al Sumaiti.