The basics
If you plan to film in Dubai, you must obtain a filming permit from the Dubai Film and Television Commission (DFTC). The DFTC is a single point of contact and is responsible for contacting other government agencies including the Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Highways and Transport Authority and location owners to obtain all approvals prior to issue a permit.
Government regulations require anyone wishing to film in Dubai to obtain a filming permit. This applies to shooting on public, government-run, and private property. Not everyone can apply for shooting permits, only companies licensed in the United Arab Emirates can obtain them. This means that if you do not fall into this category, you must hire a UAE licensed company to apply for the permit on your behalf.
Something to keep in mind: Some companies won’t request permission for photo shoots unless one of their employees is at work. The reason for this is that the company that applies for and obtains the shooting permit will be responsible if any regulatory issues arise during filming. Having someone on site reduces the chances of any problems.
The DFTC aims to issue shooting permits within five business days of submitting the application. For most shoots, the application is made online. If a permit is going to take longer than five business days to process, the DFTC will generally notify the requesting business. Please note holidays: these will be added to the application processing time if they fall within five business days.
The five business days apply to unscripted shoots. If you are shooting a movie or TV series that has a script, you will need to get the script approved and that can take up to 25 business days.
Rate
The cost of a filming permit depends on the type, location, and duration of the shoot. All permit applications start with an application fee paid to the DFTC of 500 dirhams (about US$137). If the application is successful, the fees below apply to public locations. For private locations, the fee will range from no charge to a maximum charge of 25,000 dirhams (about US$6,850) per day.
Some examples of how private location charges vary: If you are filming an interview and filming a recording at your client’s Dubai office, there will clearly be no location charge. If you want to photograph somewhere like the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building) or one of Dubai’s malls, a location will usually be charged and will vary depending on what is required. Private venues that charge permit fees may also charge additional fees for security, cleaning, or other services.
The business applying for and obtaining the permit may also charge a fee for handling the application. That charge will vary from company to company.
Standard Rates – Public Locations
Session Type Cost Duration
reality shows and magazines,
Lifestyle programs, formats 2,500 dhs (US$685) Up to 30 days
News, current affairs 2,500 dhs Up to 14 days
TV and Online Ads 2,500 dhs Up to 3 days
Corporate Videos 2,500 dhs Up to 7 days
Aerial filming Free of charge Up to 7 days
What is required for the application
The company you hire to handle your application will need the following details from you:
• Your company details: company name, address, website address, phone number
• List of people who will be in the shoot and scans of their passports
• Session details: who is it for, the purpose of the session, the content of what will be filmed
You will also need to provide a “Certificate of No Objection” – a letter on your company letterhead confirming that you want the UAE-licensed company to apply for your permission and that your company does not object to the UAE-licensed company carry out the session. .
Once you provide the above information and the no objection certificate, the UAE licensed company will submit the application. The permit will generally be issued within five business days in accordance with DFTC policy.
The full terms and conditions that apply to Dubai filming permits can be found on the following website. It is best to read them (they are not that long) before the session.
http://www.dubaifilmcommission.ae/filming-in-dubai/how-to-film-in-dubai/terms-and-conditions