Dubai authorities have warned that flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or drones without prior permit in Dubai air space is prohibited, following disruption of air traffic in Dubai on Friday due to such drones.

Air traffic in Dubai came to standstill for 55 minutes on January 23 between 3 am and 3:55 am as a result of some people flying UAVs in the air navigation passages of planes, a Wam report said.

Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, director-general of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and CEO of Dubai Air Navigation Services, warned that these undeliberate irresponsible acts could lead to serious consequences as these UAVs pose a threat to the safety of air navigation and to passengers.

''These UAVs are strictly prohibited in Dubai air space for any purpose without a prior permit from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority,'' he emphasised, urging individuals to maintain safety of air space and warning that legal action will be taken against offenders.

Major General Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, assistant to Dubai Police commander-in-general for exits affairs, said upon receiving the a decision from the Dubai Air Traffic Control Tower to suspend air traffic, Dubai Police have taken all precautionary measures accredited by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on safety of air navigation and diverted planes to Al Maktoum Airport.

He urged members of the public to observe laws and regulations regulating these hobbies and avoid practicing them in air traffic passage for the safety of air aviation in the State.