In line with the UAE's national vision to maintain its leading position in innovation and advanced technology, the General Civil Aviation Authority continues its pioneering efforts to lead the global transformation in air mobility. Our approach centers on placing safety and reliability at the heart of every stage, ensuring innovation in aviation is achieved with the highest levels of precision and discipline that characterize our regulatory system. Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, stated: 'The Authority is one of the first regulatory entities in the world to adopt and implement regulatory frameworks for advanced air mobility. This proactive approach enables the Authority to rapidly adapt to new technologies while ensuring full compliance with safety and operational requirements.' He also emphasized that the Authority's certification methodology aligns with the principles and best practices of the world's leading aviation authorities, ensuring the maintenance of a supervisory level that meets recognized international standards. Through close collaboration with government partners in the state and relevant international certification bodies, the Authority has formed specialized teams to oversee each electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft program, comprising elite experts who combine technical proficiency, operational understanding, and regulatory capabilities. Program timelines are coordinated with applicants based on their readiness and ability to meet all regulatory requirements, with the possibility of adjustment as needed. Mr. Eng. Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the Authority, added: 'The certification process at the Authority is based on a clear, transparent, and performance-based structure. Program timelines are determined in accordance with the applicant's readiness and their ability to fulfill all certification requirements.' While the Authority retains technical and operational details within its purview to ensure the integrity of its certification programs, it assures the aviation community and the public that every development undergoes rigorous supervision and in close collaboration with aircraft manufacturers to ensure full compliance with safety standards. As the national body regulating aviation affairs, the General Civil Aviation Authority reaffirms its commitment to enabling the safe integration of new air mobility solutions into the UAE's aviation system, ensuring that all aircraft operate within the country's airspace under a modern, flexible, and globally recognized regulatory framework that enhances public confidence and solidifies the UAE's leadership in the future of aviation. In a related development, the General Civil Aviation Authority is organizing the UAE Aviation Safety Conference 2025 today, Monday, under the theme 'AI and the Future of Aviation Safety: Smarter Skies, Safer Journeys.' The two-day conference will bring together key aviation sector stakeholders and government entities to exchange best practices, discuss the latest regulatory developments, and explore prominent innovations in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of aviation safety. We are focused on fostering innovation through a robust and effective certification pathway. As the national regulatory body for the aviation sector, the Authority oversees the certification of several electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for air taxi operations and unmanned aircraft for cargo air freight, marking the dawn of a new era in urban air mobility. The certification process follows a structured, evidence-based framework, starting from application and technical review through to flight testing and operational evaluation, to ensure each aircraft meets the highest international standards of safety and performance.
