Kuwait has issued a new law to regulate the use of drones, light sports aircraft, and air sports. The key provisions of the new law make licensing, registration, and operational permits mandatory. Under Decree-Law No. 89 of 2026, drones and other regulated aircraft cannot be operated without prior approval from the Ministry of Interior.
Owners of drones or light sports aircraft must register them with the General Directorate of Civil Aviation and obtain an airworthiness certificate. Operators are also required to hold the necessary licenses and permits.
Those who operate such aircraft without a license or Ministry of Interior approval face up to two years in prison and fines ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 Kuwaiti dinars, with either penalty applicable. Prior approval is also required for the import, manufacture, assembly, programming, or modification of drones. The law prohibits flying drones over airports, prohibited zones, and restricted areas, as well as flying them at night without special permission.
The law grants security and military authorities the power to intercept, disable, control, and, if necessary, shoot down drones flying in restricted areas or near military and security installations in a manner that threatens national or public security.
Existing aircraft owners have been given a one-year deadline to comply with the provisions of the new law. Authorities also announced that the executive regulations for the law will be issued by the end of 2026.
