UAE bans flying of recreational drones after Houthi attack

A picture taken on February 8, 2017 shows a camera-equipped drone flying at the Suwahan heritage festival in Al-Ain on the outskirts of the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi. (AFP/File)

• Drone hobbyists, operators of electric sports aircraft to face ‘legal liabilities’
• Interior ministry says exemptions may be granted to businesses seeking to film

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned the flying of drones in the country for recreation after Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed a fatal drone attack on an oil facility and major airport in the country. 
As of Saturday, drone hobbyists and other operators of light electric sports aircraft face “legal liabilities” if caught flying the objects, the Interior Ministry said, adding it may grant exemptions to businesses seeking to film. 
A rare drone and missile strike on the capital Abu Dhabi blew up several fuel tankers and killed three people last week. 
The Houthis, who hold Yemen’s capital and have fought a bloody, years-long war with the Arab coalition that includes the UAE, claimed the assault. While the UAE has largely withdrawn troops from the stalemated conflict, the country continues to be a major player and support local troops on the ground. 
The UAE said the Houthis targeted the country with bomb-laden drones and cruise and ballistic missiles, adding the country had intercepted some of the projectiles. In response to the strike, the Arab coalition has escalated attacks on the rebel-held parts of Yemen. 
Government regulations in the UAE already restrict flying drones in residential areas as well as near, around and over airports. Drone users typically must obtain a certificate from the civil aviation authorities.