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gonzrule wrote:

Hi all!

I have been wondering whether it is allowed here in KSA to fly a drone with a camera mounted/installed to it.

The answer is an emphatic NO!

Drones as they are commonly called ARE NOT your typical remote controlled (hobby) aircraft. Mounting a camera on one takes you into the realm of being (or appearing to be) a threat to security which is a crime in most countries, but certainly taken very seriously in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

As an expat, you clearly do not want to end up on the wrong side of the Royal Saudi Police or the Saudi Ministry of Defense and Aviation, the consequences are simply too great.

I would strongly suggest that you think seriouly about finding another hobby.

Cheers,
JamesÌý Ìý Ìý Expat-blog Experts Team

James wrote:

gonzrule wrote:

Hi all!

I have been wondering whether it is allowed here in KSA to fly a drone with a camera mounted/installed to it.

The answer is an emphatic NO!

Drones as they are commonly called ARE NOT your typical remote controlled (hobby) aircraft. Mounting a camera on one takes you into the realm of being (or appearing to be) a threat to security which is a crime in most countries, but certainly taken very seriously in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

As an expat, you clearly do not want to end up on the wrong side of the Royal Saudi Police or the Saudi Ministry of Defense and Aviation, the consequences are simply too great.

I would strongly suggest that you think seriouly about finding another hobby.

Cheers,
JamesÌý Ìý Ìý Expat-blog Experts Team

How about RC planes/copters?

riazcdki wrote:

" If you leave a minutest loophole for terrorism, it will be used". Our government advisors are lot smarter than you and me.""

Absolutely true, and all one need do is look at the clarity, detail and range of the Youtube video that Fred linked to, to understand the frightening potential for terrorists to use such technology; and to understand why it is of such concern for national security not only in the KSA, but everywhere.

Cheers,
James

James wrote:

Not talking about weaponry here Fred, but rather the planning, mapping and surveillance that go along with terrorist attacks. Hell, even Google Steetview is being used by crooks to plan robberies and map out their getaway routes, just think about what this will do.Ìý Ìý

I use google street view to confirm the location of my target - usually a camera shop or somewhere I'm conducting a lecture.
I also use it to get an idea of a place I wish to visit, or just for fun.
If you go to Westminster in London, police will commonly question photographers, in case they're taking photos to plan a terrorist attack.
Drrrr, hundreds are on the web, so why would a terrorist expose himself to get one more?

Should I wish to plan an operation, I would do as everyone else does.
Blend in, use a hidden camera to take any pictures I wanted, then attack when I've got my covertly collected intel.
I wouldn't risk capture by setting up a tripod and camera, or using something that'd tell the world I was up to something.

Terrorism works by making a group fear, governments use the same tools, as newspapers do in order to sell their crappy rags.

"My gawd, a terrorist could do it".

Where do we stop, kitchen knives?

mannyd wrote:

just had amazon delivered my dji to my address here. there is a group of RC enthusiasts that regularly have fun running their RC heli, quads, planes, small cars...in the desert though.

How much that cost you? Is it normal phantom or phantom+ ?

Fred wrote:

James wrote:

Not talking about weaponry here Fred, but rather the planning, mapping and surveillance that go along with terrorist attacks. Hell, even Google Steetview is being used by crooks to plan robberies and map out their getaway routes, just think about what this will do.Ìý Ìý

I use google street view to confirm the location of my target - usually a camera shop or somewhere I'm conducting a lecture.
I also use it to get an idea of a place I wish to visit, or just for fun.
If you go to Westminster in London, police will commonly question photographers, in case they're taking photos to plan a terrorist attack.
Drrrr, hundreds are on the web, so why would a terrorist expose himself to get one more?

Should I wish to plan an operation, I would do as everyone else does.
Blend in, use a hidden camera to take any pictures I wanted, then attack when I've got my covertly collected intel.
I wouldn't risk capture by setting up a tripod and camera, or using something that'd tell the world I was up to something.

Terrorism works by making a group fear, governments use the same tools, as newspapers do in order to sell their crappy rags.

"My gawd, a terrorist could do it".

Where do we stop, kitchen knives?

If you bothered to check KSA on Google, the details are nowhere near what you get for the other developed nations.Ìý The magnification only goes so far and there's no street view available.Ìý Why do you encourage others to usurp local authority and possibly get them in trouble?

raheel78 wrote:

Then the question is how hobbyking is delivering these UAVs in ksa? Also, I called the helpline of hobbygulf and they confirmed the delivery for saudi for all such things including drones. I think the law is still not clear.

The state could control the capacity of the drones.Ìý My understanding is that the photography is not exactly welcome in KSA.Ìý Perhaps low capacity drones without camera are allowed.