Authorities in Al Ain city have begun withdrawing drones from shops in the city, the ‘Al Khaleej’ Arabic daily newspaper has reported.

The move follows the decision of the Economic Development Department to ban sale of drones.

However, the ban does not cover cordless fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, the paper said.

The department’s inspectors are visiting the city’s stores to pull all drones equipped with GPS and cameras. They have also noted down from purchase invoices the names of people who bought drones earlier.

Mohammed Khalifa Al Darmaki, Executive Director of Al Ain Amateur Club, praised the move to withdraw drones from sale.

He said the decision has come at the right time because some buyers of drones are unaware of the damage that can be caused when children or youths use them.

“The global spread of drones prompted many companies to manufacture them without taking quality into consideration,” Al Darmaki said.

He said that, as a result, cheaper but lower quality drones have entered the market.

This hobby should be pursued only through specialized clubs of which there are many in the UAE, he said. These clubs provide well-trained supervisors who can intervene if and when necessary, he added.