Dubai is one of the easiest cities in the region to film in — as long as the paperwork is done before the crew arrives. Filming on your own premises is usually simple. Filming in public places, in other people's buildings or with large crews needs permission, and sometimes more than one. Here is what businesses should know before planning a shoot. Rules change from time to time, so treat this as a planning guide and confirm the details for your project with your production company.
When you usually need a permit
- Public places: streets, beaches, parks, metro stations, public squares and landmarks.
- Commercial productions with a crew, lighting and equipment in spaces open to the public.
- Roads and traffic, such as driving shots or closing a lane.
- Government and sensitive areas, which may be restricted entirely.
When you usually do not
Filming inside your own office, factory or shop, with your own staff, for your own marketing, generally only needs the building owner's agreement. Hotels, malls and business parks have their own filming policies — ask their marketing or security team early. See the office video shoot checklist.
Who approves what
In Dubai, film and TV production is overseen by the Dubai Film and TV Commission, which processes filming permits for productions in the emirate. Other emirates have their own bodies and rules, so a permit for Dubai does not cover a shoot in Abu Dhabi or Ras Al Khaimah. Read about planning a multi-location shoot across the Emirates.
Private locations add their own layer: a mall, a hotel, a free zone or a developer's site may require a location agreement, a filming schedule and a site induction.
What the application usually involves
Details vary by location and project, but expect to provide:
- company and production details;
- a description of the project and where it will be used;
- locations, dates and times;
- crew list and equipment list;
- in some cases, a script or storyboard;
- location owner approval for private sites.
A local production company normally handles this on your behalf.
How long it can take
From a few working days for straightforward requests to several weeks for complex shoots, landmarks or road closures. Build the permit time into your schedule before you fix a launch date.
People on camera
The UAE takes privacy seriously. Filming and publishing identifiable people without their consent can create legal problems. In practice:
- use release forms for anyone featured;
- frame crowds so individuals are not the focus, or blur faces in the edit;
- put up notices when filming in semi-public spaces.
Related: filming people in public in the UAE.
Respect and timing
- Dress and behaviour on set should respect local customs, especially in public places.
- Ramadan changes working hours and the mood in public spaces. More on this: filming during Ramadan.
- Summer heat limits outdoor filming hours. See filming in Dubai's summer heat.
What happens if you skip it
Shoots without the right permission can be stopped on the spot, equipment can be held and the footage may be unusable for publication. The cost of a lost shooting day is almost always higher than the effort of getting permission.
A simple planning checklist
- List every location and decide whether it is public, private or yours.
- Mark anything that needs special approval: roads, landmarks.
- Ask location owners about their own rules.
- Allow enough time before the shoot date.
- Prepare release forms for people on camera.
- Keep copies of every approval on set.
Questions people ask
Can we film in our own office without a permit?
Usually yes, with the building's agreement. If the shoot uses shared areas, lobbies or outdoor spaces, check with building management.
Can we use a phone instead of a crew to avoid permits?
The type of camera does not change the rules for commercial filming in public places.
How we handle permits
At Fat Cat Media we have been filming in Dubai since 2012. We check what each location needs, prepare the applications and plan the schedule around approvals, so you can focus on the content. See our commercials and brand films service or message us on WhatsApp with your locations.
Need help with commercials & brand films?
Ads and brand films for TV, digital and social — from concept to final cut. Send us a short brief and we will come back with an itemised quote.
