Model aircraft in Dubai

[Bus429]

Moderator, apologies if this is the wrong part of the site for this.

I used to fly models in Dubai in the 90s and we used a site near the original Emirates Golf Club. I'm returning there soon (with models) and I understand that a purpose-built strip exists in Nad Al Shiba. Is there a club and/or an insurance scheme in place? Is flying regulated or a free-for-all? Is a peg-board in use?

[Dubaian]

Google is your friend - see below. From a post on this forum, dated 14 Nov 2010.
RE: DUBAI RC Club New Runway (http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2781299/anchors_10134383/mpage_3/key_/anchor/tm.htm#10134383) ...... scroll down

Quote >>>>
Dubai has TWO active flying sites. The original venue, at Nad Al Sheba – which this forum was about – is used nowadays for general RC flying (everything from Jets to Helicopters to Trainers). This venue was established about 15 years ago and is basically at the bottom shores of the Dubai Creek. It was a fairly smooth, salty, and crusty surface but was quite high maintenance on your landing gear due to the salt dust and resulting rust. Several years ago the runway was resurfaced with asphalt and the site remained fantastic for about 2 years and then unfortunately the most bizarre things happened:

A massive EIGHT lane highway, a SUB Power Station (with the associated (http://www.rcuniverse.com/buynow/keywordclick.cfm?bid_id=7208) power lines), and several Horse Stables used for quarantine purposes were built and erected extremely close to the runway. With all this development it meant that this venue was no longer suitable for most of us Jet Pilots so about 3 years ago another field was built near to Al Lisaili (about 30km South East of Dubai on the Dubai to Al Ain Highway).

The runway layout at Lisaili is similar to Nad Al Sheba however the dimensions are a little less (250m long and 20m wide). I will download and post a Google Map of the exact locations soon but in the mean time here are the directions for Lisaili:

1. Dubai to Al Ain Highway.
2. Approximately 6km past the NEW Rugby SEVENS Stadium is EXIT 37, on your Right.
3. Take this EXIT and turn Left at the STOP sign, then First Left again to cross over the Highway.
4. Follow this asphalt road which turns to the Right and goes past the New Camel Souk and Mosque.
5. The New “Dubai RC Club” is on your Left at the end of this road, about 2km from the EXIT 37 junction.

Lisaili is used mainly for Jets and is a perfect venue as there are no obstacles. Once again I will post some photos soon.
<<<< Unquote

Hope this helps.

[MrMachfivepointfive]

Couple of options:

- Ultimate Heli. Behind 4x4 motors in Garhoud. Probably the best overall variety. Not just rotors.

- Hobbycentre. One store in Dubai Mall, next to the food court. The other one on airport rd. Behind the old Honda showroom. Pretty pricey.

- There is a shop in Al Aweer. Forgot the name. Al Ain Rd. between the Emirates Rd and the Nad Al Hamar interchange.

- Dragon Mart. Various stores close to E entrance. Specialised in Chinese stuff, such as the Walkera heli range.

Overall: Ordering through ebay is a lot cheaper. Local prices are higher than Europe despite the absence of VAT and shipping.

[Wizofoz]

Also- Sana building in Karama- stocks a lot of JR and Spektrum gear.

[8888]

If you like what you see at Large Scale ARF Aircraft | Set Thrust (http://www.setthrust.com) you can place an order and probably pick up on your next HKG overnight with it delivered to your hotel...

[Wizofoz]

8888,

Do a 777 and we'll talk....

[Bigeye]

Just for info, we have a forum at rcflyeruae.com so check us out and we can help with all matter regarding RC flying in the region.

;)

[Panama Jack]

For all you RC Types: something to worry about.

The proposed draft of the new UAE Light Sport Aircraft Regulation states:

"Note: Unmanned or remotely piloted vehicles are prohibited in UAE airspace.
Exceptions for commercial applications for consideration by the GCAA only."

How this statement will be interpreted is a big question, but it should be enough cause for concern. Perhaps some of you who are involved in RC Clubs or retailers should voice your concerns to the GCAA.

[Desert Dawg]

@Panama Jack,

Can you send me a PM with the details of that proposed new regulation please?

I do know that the RC flying community comes under the patronage of H.H.Shkh. Hamdan, so I'm not sure if the proposed new regulations will include general model flying..??

Interesting news though. Need to follow this up with the powers that be. You PM is eagerly awaited. Thanks!

[flying for fun]

This is still a fledgling site, but you might be able to make some useful contacts.

RCFlyerUAE.com (http://www.rcflyeruae.com:O)

Sorry - just realised DD had already posted, but the link works here

[guasty]

Magnificent men with their flying machines - Sport & Outdoor Features - TimeOutDubai.com (http://www.timeoutdubai.com/sportandoutdoor/features/38869-magnificent-men-with-their-flying-machines#.UYqIiYK56UY)

Cheers

[MrMachfivepointfive]

Guys,

Any source for glas/kevlar/carbon and the needed resins in Dubai? I mean in non-industrial, or mega-yacht quantities?

Thanks!

[Desert Dawg]

@M5.5

You can contact Advanced Fibreglass Industries in Al Quoz (use Google). They may supply the items you need :)

[Three.Green]

Map of flying fields in Dubai area.

RC Flying Fields - Dubai - Google Maps (http://goo.gl/maps/1DqWM)

I can confirm that the field in Nad Al Sheba is now INACTIVE with effect date of 5th May 2013.

Please msg me if you know any more places. Thanks!