The United Arab Emirates’ General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has significantly shortened the registration process for domestic heliports, cutting the time required from as long as 135 days to just two working days. This change replaces the previous mandatory certification with a streamlined registration system aimed at reducing administrative burdens and encouraging investment in the country’s vertical aviation sector.

Under the new framework, announced by the GCAA, domestic heliports can now be registered rapidly, while international heliports and facilities that still require certification will continue under the existing procedures. The shift reflects the authority’s adoption of a risk-based regulatory approach, focusing oversight on higher-risk areas to optimize resource allocation without compromising safety standards.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, described the transition as a sign of the UAE’s aviation sector maturity. He emphasized the benefits of the revised regulatory process, highlighting that it creates a more favorable environment for investment and development while maintaining the highest aviation safety standards.

The move is also aligned with the UAE Government’s broader Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, which seeks to improve government efficiency and reduce red tape. Aqeel Al Zarouni, assistant director general of the Aviation Safety Affairs Sector at the GCAA, said the changes followed consultations with industry stakeholders and regulatory developments, allowing the authority to deliver a tangible enhancement in approval times.

Officials expect that the reduced processing time will boost investment in vertical aviation infrastructure, promote the introduction of new aviation services, and support the continued growth of the UAE’s aviation industry.