CAA announces rules on drone sales in Oman

The Sultanate of Oman is taking a significant step toward securing its national airspace and formalising the rapidly growing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market. In a circular released on February 17, 2026, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) established a comprehensive regulatory framework for the sale and registration of drones. According to CAA, these new measures are designed to ensure safety, protect national security, and build consumer trust in the domestic market.

NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR RETAILERS

Under the new directives, all drone retail outlets must fulfill specific accreditation requirements to operate legally. Businesses are now required to add 'drone sales activity' to their official commercial registration and obtain a specialised license from the CAA.

Furthermore, authorised sellers must manage their inventory through the AirPortal system. This digital platform allows retailers to register drones from the moment of import until they reach the end user. The CAA emphasised that retailers are strictly prohibited from handing over any aircraft to a buyer until the digital transfer of ownership is completed.

GUIDELINES FOR BUYERS

For consumers, the verification process has been simplified through the use of technology. The CAA advises all individuals to purchase exclusively from authorised points of sale to avoid legal accountability. The primary method of verification for a buyer is the Serb application, a dedicated mobile platform for drone management in Oman.

A retailer is considered 'duly authorised' if they can transfer the drone’s ownership directly to the buyer's account within the app. If the drone appears in the user’s Serb app immediately upon purchase, it is officially registered and legal; failure to complete this transfer indicates the device is non-compliant.

ENFORCEMENT AND SAFETY

The Authority warned that any sale, trade, or operation of drones outside these approved channels could result in legal action. By centralising the registration process via AirPortal and Serb, the CAA aims to monitor and track all drone operations within the country, ensuring that every flight complies with Oman’s aviation laws.

As the drone industry continues to evolve for both hobbyists and commercial entities, these rules provide a much-needed roadmap for a safe and regulated ecosystem.