Do I need a permit to film?

Yes. Approval through the relevant emirate film commission is required.

Are incentives available?

Abu Dhabi offers a competitive cash rebate program for qualifying productions.

Drone use requires registration and aviation authority approval.

Is desert filming logistically complex?

It requires heat and wind planning but benefits from accessible road networks.

Can international crews operate locally?

International teams typically collaborate with licensed local production partners.

United Arab Emirates

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in United Arab Emirates, 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 United Arab Emirates

Capital

Abu Dhabi

Main Cities

Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah

Local Languages

Arabic (official), English widely used

Currency

UAE Dirham (AED)

Climate

Desert

General Visa Requirements:

Apply through the airline website. For Emirates, use the “Manage your booking” tool (you will need your flight ticket and booking reference). Complete the online form. Scan and upload all required documents. Pay the visa fee. Receive your visa entirely online via email (no need for passport courier).

Required Documents:

A colour copy of your passport (valid for at least six months)
A copy of your Emirates flight ticket
The completed visa application form

Visa Application Process:

Visa Application Link
Emirates Visa Information

Processing Time:

3 days

Cost:

90-Day Visa: AED 1000 ($350) 30-Day Visa: AED 2250 ($615)

Accreditation Requirements:

Accreditation is generally not required in Dubai. However, accreditation is required for longform projects in Abu Dhabi.

Required Documents:

A copy of your passport and passport photo
Equipment list with serial numbers for all gear to be brought in
Visa application form, security form, and a scanned photograph with a white background

Processing Time:

Normal visa for 30 days is AED 1000 ($350), and for 90 days AED 2250 ($615)

Cost:

For longform projects, to open a file with immigration AED 5500 ($1500), which includes 5 visas. After that, a normal visa for 30 days is AED 1000 ($350).

Issuing Organization:

Dubai: DFTC (Dubai Film & Television Commission), RTA (Road Transport Authority for car shoots), Dubai Municipality (for public beaches, parks, and deserts), Coast Guard (for sea/ocean shoots), Dubai Canal
Abu Dhabi: NMC (Abu Dhabi Film Commission – National Media Council)
Sharjah: National Media Council

Required Documents:

Storyboard
Script
No-Objection Letter from the client addressed to the Film Commission
No-Objection Letter from the client to PH

Processing Time:

Dubai: 3 – 5 working days Abu Dhabi: Varies by project. Corporate, social, and TVC shoots take around 6 to 10 working days Ras Al Khaimah or Sharjah: 3 to 5 working days

Cost:

Dubai: AED 3040, Admin processing fees AED 1500 ($1500) RTA: AED 2500 Municipality: AED 2500 Coast Guard: AED 2500 Abu Dhabi: AED 500 per shoot day, admin processing fees AED 1500 ($550) Sharjah: AED 2500, admin processing fees AED 1500 ($1100)

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Private locations are owned by individuals or organizations, and we will contact the owners on your behalf to negotiate rates and terms for your shoot in the United Arab Emirates.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

The cost will depend on the specific job requirements and will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Drone Regulations:

Only local drone suppliers are allowed to operate in the United Arab Emirates.

Drone Importation Regulations:

The drone pilot will need to travel to Dubai 2-3 weeks in advance to register and gain approval with DCAA (Dubai Civil Aviation Authority) and MOD (Ministry of Defense).

Permit Issuance:

General Civil Aviation Authority

Timing:

Dubai: 10 working days
Abu Dhabi: 3 weeks

Cost:

Not available.

Carnet Status:

Is it a Carnet country?
Yes

General Process for Carnet Country
Carnet

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:

The UAE is considered very safe.

Security Requirements:

Security and police are typically only required for adrenaline sports filming to control the area.

Rebates/Incentives:

Key Benefits

Cashback Rebate: ADFC offers a 35%++ cashback rebate on production spend in Abu Dhabi.
Alternative Rebate: A 30% rebate is also available for qualifying production expenditure.
Points-Based Rebate: Productions can qualify for a rebate up to 50%, based on a points-based eligibility system.

Qualifying Expenditures Include