Guide to Filming in Dubai
In order to conduct audio and visual media productions on government and/or private locations, it is necessary to obtain filming permits. Which can obtain through our Filming Portal UAE.
Filming Permit Dubai
In order to conduct audio and visual media productions on government and/or private locations, it is necessary to obtain filming permits. Which can obtain through our Filming Portal UAE.
Applicants through the Portal
It is necessary for international and local individuals, corporations, or entities to apply for a filming permit. You can do so through our Filming Portal UAE.
Filming Location
To conduct audio and visual media productions on government-operated and private locations, filming permits are mandatory. For a comprehensive list of locations available for media filming, please refer to the Public Locations and Private Locations sections. If you need information regarding fees, you can find it in the Permit Fees section.
Media Platforms
A filming permit is necessary for audio and visual media productions across all media platforms, such as television, film, radio, online, mobile, and print.
Content Formats
All types of media production, ranging from advertisements and short-form content to long-form documentaries, radio programs, and photography, necessitate the acquisition of permits.
Application Process and Required Documentation
A commissioning letter must be provided by you or your company and, depending on the project, by the distributing entity. You can find a template for the commissioning and all other doc and letters in our resources section on our Portal.
We will support you if the Dubai Film Television Commission uses their right to request additional documents from us for your application.
Unfitting applications, or topics, will be rejected by the DFTC, we will check your application upfront to avoid such a scenario.
Filming at the Location Site
Filming is only allowed in the designated areas and within the approved time periods by DFTC. It is essential for the company and crew to prioritize safety and security during the filming process.
International crew members can come on site after the script is approved, and the filming permit is issued by DFTC. To be involved in the filming, all international crew members must possess valid work or business visas.
International companies must appoint a UAE-licensed production company with a valid production trade license to conduct the filming.
The UAE-licensed production company will handle the procurement of work or business visas for all crew members involved in the filming.
Please note that DFTC does not directly issue filming permits to international companies.
Lastly, it is strictly prohibited to film in restricted areas, including government departments, ministries, royal palaces, military outposts, and refineries.
Private Locations
Before filming in any private location, it is important to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owners. This ensures that you have their permission to conduct your audio and visual media productions on their private property. You can find a template for the NOC in the resources section.
Insurance Coverage (optional)
It is recommended that the Production House / Production Company maintains insurance coverage for all crew members, equipment, locations, and workmen's compensation.
Compliance with Rules and Regulations
The Film Crew, The Production house / international Company is required to adhere to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations of the Emirate of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, as they apply in Dubai. Failure to comply with any of the terms and conditions outlined in the permit application form will result in the immediate termination of the filming permit by the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC), without any prior notice or court order.
Please note that DFTC will not be held liable for any costs or losses incurred due to the cancellation of the permit at any stage of the process. DFTC reserves the right to exercise all other legal rights and remedies available to it.
DFTC will not be held responsible for any costs or losses resulting from the arrival of production-related crew in Dubai before or after the specified filming dates in the permit.
The permit requesting Company is also required to compensate any third parties against any losses or damages caused to individuals or property, including those of DFTC and its owners.
This compensation extends to any claims or liabilities that may arise from the actions of the Company, the granting of the filming permit, and any breach of the terms and conditions of the permit application.
DFTC retains the right to cancel a filming permit or reject a script without providing prior notice or reasons to the Company.
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Sharjah is one of the UAE’s strongest cultural and landscape emirates for filming. It can give a production old-town streets, museums, traditional markets, modern waterfronts, desert archaeology, mountain roads, beaches and mangroves without losing the UAE production infrastructure around it. The important part is planning the permit route before cameras roll. Public spaces, museums, art locations, roads, beaches, mangroves, private properties and any aerial work can all require different approvals. International crews should normally work through a UAE-based production partner who can coordinate the permit information, location access, crew, equipment, insurance and local logistics.Sharjah is one of the UAE’s strongest cultural and landscape emirates for filming. It can give a production old-town streets, museums, traditional markets, modern waterfronts, desert archaeology, mountain roads, beaches and mangroves without losing the UAE production infrastructure around it. The important part is planning the permit route before cameras roll. Public spaces, museums, art locations, roads, eaches, mangroves, private properties and any aerial work can all require different approvals. International crews should normally work through a UAE-based production partner who can coordinate the permit information, location access, crew, equipment, insurance and local logistics.ctical route is temporary admission through Customs, not an ATA Carnet.
Dubai Customs guidance confirms that some goods accompanying passengers can be processed under a Temporary Admission Customs Bill with a refundable deposit. In practice for professional filming equipment, crews should budget for 5% refundable customs deposit plus 5% refundable VAT deposit, meaning 10% of the declared equipment value, plus any applicable administration or after-hours fees.
Use this guide as a planning checklist, then confirm the current handling details with Dubai Customs, your customs broker, your UAE production partner, and the relevant film permitting authority before the equipment travels.
For most film crews bringing professional cameras, lenses, lighting, grip, audio, monitors, drones, wireless equipment, or other production kit into Dubai, the practical route is temporary admission through Customs, not an ATA Carnet.
Dubai Customs guidance confirms that some goods accompanying passengers can be processed under a Temporary Admission Customs Bill with a refundable deposit. In practice for professional filming equipment, crews should budget for 5% refundable customs deposit plus 5% refundable VAT deposit, meaning 10% of the declared equipment value, plus any applicable administration or after-hours fees.
Use this guide as a planning checklist, then confirm the current handling details with Dubai Customs, your customs broker, your UAE production partner, and the relevant film permitting authority before the equipment travels.
ATA Carnet Guide for Dubai Film Crews
Important update: based on official guidance received after our inquiry, the UAE currently accepts incoming ATA Carnets only for goods under category B1, meaning items intended for exhibitions and similar events.
Filming equipment is therefore not generally accepted for entry into the UAE on an ATA Carnet unless the equipment is intended for, or invited to participate in, a particular known event and the required prior permit has been obtained from the concerned authority.
For most film crews bringing cameras, lenses, lighting, grip, audio, monitors, drones, wireless equipment, or other production kit into Dubai, the practical customs route is temporary admission, not an ATA Carnet. See our temporary import guide for professional filming equipment in Dubai: How to import Professional Camera Equipment to Dubai Guide
For film crews, the carnet should be treated as a limited option, not the default customs route. Before shipping or travelling with production equipment, confirm the correct process with the relevant chamber, UAE Customs, your UAE production partner, and the relevant permitting authority.
The world of film production is fraught with complexities, and nowhere is this more apparent than in securing the necessary permits for specialized filming scenarios. Whether you're planning to capture aerial footage with drones over Dubai's iconic skyline, orchestrate a multi-camera reality show in Abu Dhabi's bustling airports, or scout locations for a feature film across the Emirates, the regulatory landscape can be overwhelming. This is where FilmingPortalUAE.com emerges as your indispensable partner, bringing unparalleled expertise to navigate these intricate challenges.
The glittering spires of Dubai pierce through a golden haze as Tom Cruise sprints across the face of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. This heart-stopping sequence from "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" catapulted Dubai into the global spotlight as a premier filming destination. Today, the city stands as a testament to architectural ambition and futuristic vision, making it an irresistible draw for filmmakers seeking to capture both ultra-modern glamour and timeless desert beauty
Dubai has become one of the world's most sought-after filming locations, offering a stunning blend of ultramodern architecture, pristine desert landscapes, and luxurious venues. However, filming in Dubai requires careful planning and adherence to local regulations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about filming in the City of Gold.
Filming in Fujairah, one of the United Arab Emirates' most picturesque emirates, offers unique opportunities to capture stunning landscapes, from rugged mountains to pristine beaches. Whether you're planning a commercial shoot, documentary, or personal project, understanding the local requirements and conditions is essential for success.
Filming in Ras Al-Khaimah: A Comprehensive Guide
Ras Al-Khaimah (RAK), the northernmost emirate of the UAE, offers filmmakers a diverse range of stunning locations, from pristine beaches and dramatic mountains to ancient historical sites and modern cityscapes. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the filming process in this unique destination.
First and foremost, all filming activities in Abu Dhabi require official permits from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) and need a local production partner. International companies can submit here. The commission offers a streamlined permit process, and applications should be submitted at least 5-10 working days before the planned shoot.
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