Saudi Arabia Tightens Drone Regulation with New Remote Identification and Network Requirements
The General Authority of Civil Aviation expands drone rules to include remote ID and advanced safety obligations for operators and aircraft
Saudi Arabia’s aviation regulator has outlined a comprehensive update to drone operating rules that introduces remote identification obligations and enhanced network-related requirements for unmanned aircraft systems, aiming to bolster airspace safety, transparency and compliance.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation has revised its regulatory framework under GACAR Part 107, stipulating that all drones must be registered with a unique identification number visible on the aircraft and linked to the operator’s account before flight.
Pilots must obtain an official Remote Pilot Certificate, and operators of larger or higher-risk unmanned aircraft must meet specific operational authorisation criteria as well as network connectivity and command-and-control specifications for compliance with Saudi remote ID standards.
These requirements are designed to ensure that authorities can electronically identify, locate and monitor unmanned aircraft in the national airspace in real time, supporting risk-based oversight of both recreational and commercial flights.
The updated regulatory framework also mandates that remotely piloted aircraft maintain a secure means of communication and network access when operating beyond the pilot’s direct line of sight or in “Specific Category” operations, such as beyond visual line of sight flights, over people or in complex airspace.
Advisory circulars published by the authority clarify that advanced operations will require additional safety assessments, operational risk documentation and remote ID capabilities commensurate with the level of airspace integration and the nature of the mission.
Dubai-style network ID and tracking provisions align Saudi drone policy with emerging global standards that seek to enhance accountability, deter unauthorised use near sensitive facilities and promote responsible use of unmanned aircraft technology.
Operators who fail to comply with the remote identification, registration and network requirements risk administrative sanctions, including fines or grounding of aircraft, while the regulator continues to refine its guidance and digital services to facilitate smoother compliance by residents and licensed commercial users.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation has revised its regulatory framework under GACAR Part 107, stipulating that all drones must be registered with a unique identification number visible on the aircraft and linked to the operator’s account before flight.
Pilots must obtain an official Remote Pilot Certificate, and operators of larger or higher-risk unmanned aircraft must meet specific operational authorisation criteria as well as network connectivity and command-and-control specifications for compliance with Saudi remote ID standards.
These requirements are designed to ensure that authorities can electronically identify, locate and monitor unmanned aircraft in the national airspace in real time, supporting risk-based oversight of both recreational and commercial flights.
The updated regulatory framework also mandates that remotely piloted aircraft maintain a secure means of communication and network access when operating beyond the pilot’s direct line of sight or in “Specific Category” operations, such as beyond visual line of sight flights, over people or in complex airspace.
Advisory circulars published by the authority clarify that advanced operations will require additional safety assessments, operational risk documentation and remote ID capabilities commensurate with the level of airspace integration and the nature of the mission.
Dubai-style network ID and tracking provisions align Saudi drone policy with emerging global standards that seek to enhance accountability, deter unauthorised use near sensitive facilities and promote responsible use of unmanned aircraft technology.
Operators who fail to comply with the remote identification, registration and network requirements risk administrative sanctions, including fines or grounding of aircraft, while the regulator continues to refine its guidance and digital services to facilitate smoother compliance by residents and licensed commercial users.
