Kuwait City, Kuwait (HRNW)- Kuwait has further tightened regulations governing drone use in 2026, introducing a new legal framework covering drone registration, licensing, permits, and operations.
Under the new rules, flying a drone without approval from the Ministry of Interior is prohibited. Operating a drone without the required license or authorization from the Civil Aviation authority is also unlawful.
Certain violations may carry imprisonment of up to two years and fines of up to 2,000 Kuwaiti dinars. More serious violations can result in imprisonment for up to three years and fines reaching 5,000 Kuwaiti dinars.
Drone registration and airworthiness certification are mandatory, while prior authorization may also be required for the importation, manufacture, assembly, and programming of drones.
Authorities have been empowered to intercept, control, or shoot down drones considered to pose a security or military threat. Existing drone owners have been given a one-year grace period to bring their devices and operations into compliance with the new law.
A temporary ban on the sale and trading of drones in shops and commercial markets across Kuwait has also been in effect since April 2026. Existing Civil Aviation Authority regulations additionally require authorization and registration and impose restrictions on drone operations in designated prohibited or restricted zones.
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