KD5,000 Fine or 3 Years in Jail: Kuwait’s Tough Message to Drone Users

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 13: Kuwait has introduced a comprehensive legal framework regulating the use of drones, light sport aircraft, air sports and related activities, with unauthorized operation potentially resulting in imprisonment and fines of up to KD5,000.

Decree-Law No. 89 of 2026, concerning the regulation of the use of drones, light sport aircraft, air sports and related activities, was published in issue No. 1808 of the Official Gazette “Kuwait Alyoum” and came into force from the date of publication.

The new law places the General Authority of Civil Aviation (DGCA) at the center of the regulatory framework, while requiring coordination with the Ministry of Interior, security and military authorities and other relevant government bodies.

Under the law, drones and other aircraft covered by the legislation cannot be operated in Kuwait without the required approvals, registration, licenses and permits. The use of aircraft before obtaining approval from the Ministry of Interior is expressly prohibited.

Article 1 — Definitions explains what is meant by the relevant minister, General Authority of Civil Aviation, drone, light sport aircraft, air sports, operator, pilot, registration, airworthiness certificate, restricted area, airport range, visual line of sight and other key terms.

Article 2 — Purpose of the Law establishes that the law is intended to regulate drones, light sport aircraft, air sports and related activities while protecting the security and safety of Kuwait's airspace.

Articles 3–8 — Powers of the Civil Aviation Authority detail the Authority's responsibilities, including licensing, inspection, aircraft classification, altitude limits, safety measures, noise standards and approval of operators' manuals.

Article 9 — Registration Requires aircraft owners to register their aircraft and obtain an airworthiness certificate before using them in Kuwait. Changes to registration information must be reported within seven working days.

Article 10 — Operating Licenses Aircraft cannot be operated in Kuwait without an operating license. Pilots and anyone assisting in operating the aircraft must also hold the required license, with Ministry of Interior approval required.

Article 11 — Air Sports No air-sports activity may be offered without a license from the Authority.

Article 12 — Import, Manufacturing and Commercial Activities Requires permits and Interior Ministry approval for importing, manufacturing, assembling, programming or modifying aircraft and their components. Commercial activities involving drones and related equipment also require the relevant commercial license and approvals.

Article 13 — Government Use Allows government agencies to use drones and light sport aircraft for emergency, medical, scientific, research and other approved government activities. The Ministry of Defense receives an exemption for military use.

Articles 14–15 — Applications and License Details Sets out the application process and provides for decisions within 90 days after all required information and conditions have been fulfilled.

Articles 16–22 — Operator and Pilot Responsibilities Covers safety, identification markings, health and fitness of personnel, altitude restrictions, collision avoidance, accident reporting and communications-frequency requirements.

Article 23 — No Use Without Interior Ministry Approval Explicitly prohibits the use of aircraft before obtaining Ministry of Interior approval.

Article 24 — Transfer of Licenses Licenses and permits cannot be transferred without Authority approval.

Article 25 — Airports and Restricted Areas Prohibits flights within airport ranges and over prohibited or restricted areas.

Article 26 — Night Flights and Bad Weather Bans flights between sunset and sunrise and during unsuitable weather unless special permission is granted.

Article 27 — Passenger Limits Light sport aircraft cannot carry more passengers than permitted under their registration certificate.

Article 28 — Photography and Video Restricts photographing people, private property and specified public facilities using aircraft unless regulatory requirements are fulfilled.

Articles 29–31 — Enforcement Powers Allows licenses to be suspended or cancelled and gives authorities powers to jam, disable, control, intercept or, where necessary, shoot down threatening aircraft.

Articles 32–39 — Criminal Penalties This is where the law becomes particularly significant:

Articles 40–41 — Enforcement and Settlement: Designated Authority employees receive judicial police powers, while the Authority may offer or accept settlements within specified limits.

Articles 42–44 — Grace Period and Implementation Aircraft owners receive one year to bring their status into compliance. Executive regulations must be issued by December 31, 2026, and the decree-law takes effect from publication.