The recent seizure of a remote-control drone hovering above the Ministry of Interior’s (MoI) headquarters call for immediate and strict measures to prevent the threats such drones pose to national security, said security sources. The sources explained that MoI has contacted the civil aviation department, the ministry of commerce and industry and the customs demanding a ban on importing such aircraft without prior permission from MoI. The interior ministry also decided confiscating any drones that had been already imported without permission and referring importers to relevant authorities for evading taxes and importing banned items without permission.
The sources highlighted that a decision was made banning all companies and individuals from importing Phantom drones without MoI’s written approval. [Source]
It’s from the Kuwait Times so I’m not sure how accurate this is, but if you own a drone I’d keep it indoors for the next couple of weeks until this dies down.
Thanks Ray
20 replies on “Drones Now Banned?”
Yup, just read it too. Dunno what happens to the photogs who’ve used this for some awesome shots of Kuwait.
Related bad news:
Civil ID renewal to cost 5kd instead of the current 2kd from April.
Kuwait Times isn’t a reliable source. It’s more like a tabloid.
Or.. you know… don’t fly it over ministries and military installations! People are such idiots!!!
This is sad…………just make the grid area from 1st to 7th ring road, Gulf road to Ghazali highway, airport, ministries, military and oil & gas installations no fly zones. If caught, face the law/authorities!
I saw this cool video today of an eagle that was trained to take down drones lol, i think it was in the Netherlands.
Yeah, I saw…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERgNoVrRGeA
Is this a ban on all drones? They specifically mentioned Phantom drones which are sold here in Kuwait. I fly a home made drone without a camera and only fly it in vacant lots and non-sensitive areas. It is foolish to fly drones near MOI, MOD, or any other sensitive area.
Kuwait’s answer to all problems. “BAN IT!”
It’s not just Kuwait many countries are creating drone control laws now. Banning is just the swift decision to stop everything until it’s legalized.
Japan for example is working on a law to only allow the ownership of a drone through extensive paper work and a license fee not only that you have to get authorization to fly your drone or get fined for unauthorized drone flight !
I was saving money to buy it from xcite.
Deport the drone.
This is unfortunate but not uncommon. Drones are becoming so present in the global community governments aren’t sure how to respond to them yet. Privacy, National Security, all concerns that come to light when you mount a 4k camera to a gyro stabilized platform capable of hovering. Good advice to keep the drones indoors for now until they sort it out – hopefully they take some influence from countries like the USA and Mexico, where drones aren’t totally banned – just regulated and controlled. The USA just implemented a mandatory registry with a fee. That way if a drone violates airspace or causes damage the owner can be held accountable. At the end of the day, drones are here to stay, they’ll need to figure out a way to work with them.
Well said!
Legislation always lags behind technology.
Yes !
I am considering an expat posting in Kuwait beginning in August. I’m a high school video production teacher who shoots commercial video on the side. I fly an Inspire1 pro and I’m trying to find some reliable information about this report. Has this been sorted out? Where can I apply for a permit or license if necessary? I’ve combed through the Kuwait Civil Aviation website thoroughly, but I cannot find anything related to UAVs. Any help would be greatly appreciated Gents! Cheers.
Any idea if they followed through on the import ban ? or if it was just over exxagerated tabloids ?
Yeah, any update on ths?
I’d like to know if this is settled yet? how would one get a permit?
Has there been any progress on this subject, I am considering buying a new drone.