Qatar issues law regulating drones with fines of up to QR 300,000 for severe violations

One of the most comprehensive legal frameworks for drone operations in Qatar has now been enshrined in law with Law No. (10) of 2026 on the Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft (Drones). The legislation published in the 12th issue of Official Gazette for 2026 incurs tough penalties for violations, of up to seven years in prison and fines as high as QR300,000 among other measures such as suspending licences and closures.

Comprehensive Rules for Drone Operations

The new statute covers all kinds of activities pertaining to the use of drones throughout Qatar and also provides wide discretion to the competent authority in relation to issuing licenses, permits, and enforcing compliance. After the notice is issued, authorities can take administrative action against individuals and businesses for violating the law.

Administrative actions may include:

• Official warnings for violations

• A licensing or permitting suspension of up to 3 month

• Extended suspension for repeat offenders

• Closures of companies, establishments or clubs for up to a maximum period of 15 days, with prolongations when violations subsist.

Severe Penalties for Serious Offences

The legislation introduces strict criminal penalties for major violations involving drone operations.

Key penalties include:

• Up to 7 years' imprisonment

• Fines of up to QR300,000

• Courts may impose both imprisonment and fines

• Mandatory confiscation of drones, machinery, and equipment used in the offence

Other offences under the law may attract fines of up to QR200,000, in addition to any harsher penalties applicable under other legislation.

Company Managers and Businesses Also Held Responsible

It makes the whole company liable, rather than just the individual operators, since a violation occurs because the manager was negligent and did not do his job. When a crime is committed by employees or on behalf of an organisation, legal entities can also be jointly liable to pay fines and compensation.

The law also states:

• Criminal penalties may apply as well to company managers if they are liable.

• In this case, the violation committed by an employee can be attributed to the company itself.

• Individuals may have to pay fines and compensation.

Settlement Option Before Court Proceedings

Enforcement may also rely on settlements of noncriminal violations as described above where the offender can make up for a violation by paying an amount according to prescribed settlement standards and correcting the infraction before criminal procedures begin—or at any point before final court ruling.

Criminal prosecutions will not be initiated or terminated, depending on where the case gets to once the settlement is done.

Drone Owners Share Liability for Damages

The law also adds a layer of accountability to Qatar's drone operations by holding owners jointly liable with operators, pilots, controllers or crew members for any damage caused to third parties and public and private property.