UAE Grounds Private Drones for Month after Abu Dhabi Attack

The United Arab Emirates grounded most private drones and light sports aircraft for a month following the deadly attack on Abu Dhabi, the Interior Ministry announced on Saturday.

The UAE has affirmed that the Iran-aligned Houthi movement used cruise missiles and ballistic missiles alongside drones in the Abu Dhabi attack that killed three civilians.

Although the Interior Ministry did not refer directly to the attack in imposing the ban, it pointed out that the decision came after finding misuse of permits granted to those who practice these sports.

"MOI (Ministry of Interior) is currently stopping all flying operations for owners, practitioners and enthusiasts of drones, including drones and light sports aircrafts," it said in a statement.

Last Monday, a drone attack sparked multiple explosions near Abu Dhabi airport, killing at least three people and wounding six others.

Three tanker trucks carrying fuel exploded in the emirate’s Mussafah area after catching fire, according to a police statement. Preliminary investigations point out that it could be a drone attack.

The dead were one Pakistani and two Indians, the UAE’s official news agency WAM confirmed.