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.