Operating rules · airside
Everything on the movement area runs on two things: a valid pass and a current permit. This page sets out which pass you need, what the passes office asks for, and the standing operational rules that catch people out — starting with the fact that the runway closes every Tuesday morning.
The passes office
Give advance notice for enquiries outside the pass process. Outside these hours, apply to the duty officer for a pass. Airport Ground Services has the authority to issue crew passes and can be reached on +971 7 244 8090.
Passes
The Public Relations Office issues every airport pass and permit, and also handles filming, photography and press activity on the airport.
Requirements
Bring originals where an original is asked for. An application missing one document does not start — it waits.
| Pass | Documents required |
|---|---|
| Temporary entry pass | Official company letter with management signature and seal; clear copy of passport and visa; clear copy of Emirates ID; original passport-size photograph, hard copy or electronic; temporary pass application form; company registration form |
| Temporary pass renewal | Official company letter with signature and seal; passport and visa copy; UAE identity card copy; temporary pass application |
| Permanent pass | Official company letter; passport and visa copy; three passport-size photographs; three application forms — DCA statement, Police statement and CID statement |
| Permanent pass renewal | Official company letter; passport and visa copy; UAE identity card copy; DCA statement |
| Vehicle pass — daily | Official company letter; vehicle registration, original and copy; UAE driving licence, original and copy; driver's passport and visa copy |
| Vehicle pass — temporary or permanent | As for the daily vehicle pass, plus a clear copy of the UAE identity card |
| Crew pass | General declaration; the crew must carry a valid general declaration bearing the entry stamp from the day of arrival until the seventh day; passport copy. The crew pass can be extended |
| Visitor or photography pass | Official letter; passport photocopy including the visa page; passport-size photograph; temporary pass application. For a camera, add the type, model, brand and serial number |
| Gate pass | Official letter or company email; a list of the equipment, items or materials; item serial numbers |
| Airside driving permit | Company letter stating the method of payment; one passport-size photograph; photocopy of a valid UAE or GCC driving licence, or of a valid airport driving licence issued by the Police; photocopy of any existing airside driving permit airport pass for renewals; completed airside driving permit application form |
Forms
The passes office issues the current version of every form. Ask for the one you need rather than reusing a copy that has been sitting in a shared drive — the set includes the temporary request form, the company registration form, the representative card application, the permanent pass forms in English and Arabic, and the airside driver permit application.
Fees
No fee or processing time is published for any pass type, including the airside driving permit. The passes office confirms both when you apply. If a fee applies, the company letter must state the method of payment.
Airside driving
The permit is personal to the holder and conditional on the company behind it. These obligations run for as long as you hold it.
On the movement area
Every Tuesday 0500–0800 UTC
Runway 16/34 closes for planned maintenance every Tuesday, 0500–0800 UTC, which is 0900–1200 local. The runway friction test runs on the third Tuesday of the month, 0500–0730 UTC. Plan work, deliveries and movements around it.
No training flights are permitted during planned maintenance unless written permission has been obtained from the airport authority in advance. Verbal agreement on the day is not permission.
Vehicles and follow-me operate on 121.750 MHz, H24. Tower is 118.250 MHz and carries both aircraft and vehicles. The fire watchroom is on 121.850 MHz.
All departing traffic files a flight plan at the AIS and MET briefing office, staffed H24.
Removal of a disabled aircraft from the movement area is the responsibility of the aircraft operator. The airport declares no recovery capability of its own.
UAE mandatory minimum liability insurance for passengers, baggage, cargo and third parties applies to all civil-registered aircraft, carriers and operators operating within UAE territory. Check the current GCAA instrument before you rely on an older bulletin.
Contact
Pass requirements are as published by the Public Relations Office and can change. Confirm the current document set with the office before you send staff to apply, and confirm operational rules against the UAE AIP and current NOTAMs.