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)
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  • Drone hobbyists, operators of electric sports aircraft to face 鈥榣egal liabilities鈥�
  • 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鈥檚 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 鈥渓egal liabilities鈥� 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鈥檚 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 While the UAE has largely withdrawn troops from the stalemated conflict, the country continues to be a major player and support local troops on the ground.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.