Houthi Abu Dhabi drone attack

The UAE’s Ministry of Interior has announced a complete ban on the use of recreational drones across the country. 

The ban comes in the wake of an attack in early January on an oil facility in Abu Dhabi by Yemen's Houthi rebels using multiple weapon-laden drones.

Anyone caught violating the ban can face up to five years in prison and a minimum fine of Dh100,000, according to the state's Public Prosecution office.

The attack is seen to raise concerns about the misuse of drones, and more generally about the nature and use of lethal autonomous and semi-autonomous weapons.