UAE – Dubai

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in UAE – Dubai, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for UAE – Dubai

Capital

Dubai City

Main Cities

Dubai City, Jebel Ali, Hatta

Local Languages

Arabic (official), English commonly used

Currency

UAE Dirham (AED)

Climate

Desert

General Visa Requirements:

Apply online through the airline’s website (e.g. Emirates’ “Manage your booking” tool). Complete the online form and upload required documents. Pay the visa fee and receive your visa via email (no passport courier needed).

Required Documents:

Colour passport photograph
Colour copy of passport (valid for at least six months)
Copy of Emirates flight ticket
Completed visa application form

Visa Application Process:

Visa application link:

https://www.emirates.com/za/english/before-you-fly/visa-passport-information/uae-visa-information

Processing Time:

3 days

Cost:

AED 1000 ($350) for a 90-day visa AED 2250 ($615) for a 90-day visa (long-term)

Accreditation Requirements:

Not required in Dubai for most projects.
Required for long-form projects in Abu Dhabi.

Required Documents:

Passport copy and passport photo
Equipment list with serial numbers
Visa application form
Security form
Scanned photograph with white background

Processing Time:

To be determined (dependent on project requirements)

Cost:

Normal Visa (30 days): AED 1000 ($350) Normal Visa (90 days): AED 2250 ($615)

Issuing Organization:

Dubai Film & Television Commission (DFTC)
Road Transport Authority (RTA) for car shoots
Dubai Municipality for public beaches, parks, and desert shoots
Coast Guard for sea/ocean shoots

Required Documents:

Storyboard
Script
No-Objection Letter from client addressed to Film Commission
No-Objection Letter from client to Production House (PH)

Processing Time:

3-5 working days

Cost:

AED 3040 (general permit) AED 1500 (admin processing fees) AED 2500 (RTA, Municipality, Coast Guard fees)

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Hoodlum Film Fixers will contact private location owners on your behalf and negotiate rates and terms tailored to your project needs

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on:

Job requirements
Location specifics
Owner agreements

Drone Regulations:

Only local drone suppliers are permitted to operate.

Unmanned Aircraft Operator Authorisation (UAO)
Submit: Security Clearance from GCAA, UA operator registration letter, Evidence of subscription to GCAA E-Publications Service, Pay AED 1,200 fee

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drone pilot must arrive in Dubai 2-3 weeks prior to registration and approval with:

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA)
Ministry of Defence (MOD)

Permit Issuance:

General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)

Timing:

10 working days

Cost:

DFTC: AED 520 ($150)
Dubai Civil Aviation: $900
Ministry of Defence: $700 (6-hour permit)
Drone Tracker: $150
Pro Fees: $550

Carnet Status:

Yes, the UAE is a Carnet country

Required Documents:

Equipment List with: Serial numbers and Values

Issuing Organization:

Dubai Chambers of Commerce and Industry

Timing:

10 working days

Cost:

Customs Letter: AED 5000 ($1500)

General Overview:

Very safe, with low crime rates

Security Requirements:

Security and police presence typically only required for:
Adrenaline sport filming (e.g. high-risk activities) and controlling access to filming areas