Qatar's Ministry of Justice has published Law No. (10) of 2026 on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), establishing a legal framework for drone operations in the country.
According to the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA), the law promotes the safe use of drones while protecting national airspace. It also authorises the QCAA to regulate drone operations, including issuing licences and permits, setting flight zones and altitude limits, overseeing drone imports and exports, and monitoring compliance.
The law allows the competent authority to require violators to correct any breach within a specified period before taking administrative action. If the violation is not addressed, the following penalties may apply:
- Warning
- Suspension of a licence or permit for up to three months, with the suspension period doubled for repeat offences.
- Temporary closure of a company, sole proprietorship or club involved in drone activities for up to 15 days, which may be extended if the violation remains unresolved.
For serious violations of key provisions of the law, offenders may face:
- Up to seven years' imprisonment
- A fine of up to QAR 300,000
- Or both imprisonment and a fine
The law also includes the following provisions:
- Courts will confiscate the drone and any equipment used to commit an offence.
- Violations of certain provisions may result in fines of up to QAR 200,000.
- Managers of companies may face the same penalties if they knew of the violation or failed to prevent it.
- Companies are jointly liable for fines and compensation if an employee commits an offence on their behalf.
- Offenders may settle eligible cases before a final court judgment by paying the prescribed amount and correcting the violation, which can prevent or end criminal proceedings.
- Drone owners, operators, pilots and crew are jointly liable for any damage caused to third parties or public or private property.
