- Issuing authority
- General Civil Aviation Authority
- Jurisdiction
- United Arab Emirates
- Publication date
- September 28, 2026
- Effective date
- September 28, 2026
- Stage
- Final rule
- Official source
- news.google.com
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has rolled out a regulatory framework that reduces the domestic heliport registration processing time from up to 135 days to two working days, according to an official announcement reported by WAM.
Under the new system, domestic heliports are no longer required to obtain full GCAA certification. Instead, operators will register through a simplified, risk-based process designed to reduce administrative procedures while maintaining national aviation safety standards.
The GCAA stated that the new framework takes effect from the publication date of the updated regulations and directly aligns with the UAE Government's Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme. International heliports and other landing facilities where full certification remains necessary will continue to be governed by the standard certification framework in line with national and international rules.
GCAA Director-General Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi stated that the transition from certification to registration reflects the maturity of the country's aviation sector and supports investment in vertical aviation infrastructure. Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General of the Aviation Safety Affairs Sector at the GCAA, noted that the revision followed regulatory assessments and consultations with industry stakeholders.
