As filmmakers, you will come across Abu Dhabi sooner or later because we all know Middle Eastern destinations are more popular than ever for filming. You've got a big project, you're excited about it, and you're ready to make it happen. But before you start filming in Abu Dhabi, you need one thing: a film permit.
What is this mysterious Abu Dhabi film permit? How do you get one? The good news is that you don't need to worry about this process alone.
In this article, we'll help you with these questions and more so that by the end, you'll be ready to travel with no restrictions on your creative output!
What is a Film Permit?
A film permit is an official document that allows you to film in a specific location. A Film Permit in Abu Dhabi is issued by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) and is required for all filming activities there.
What is the Need for a Film Permit in Abu Dhabi?
If you are planning to shoot your next film in Abu Dhabi, you must understand the reasons behind the city's film permit requirements. The need for a film permit comes from the fact that Abu Dhabi is one of the most popular destinations for filmmakers in the world.
The region offers an incredible landscape that is used to create any type of scene imaginable, including desert scenes, beaches, mountains, and more. But, just like any other destination, the unique culture and heritage of Abu Dhabi need to be respected.
The Abu Dhabi Film Commission wants to ensure that it can protect its image and its citizens' safety and privacy. So, the best way to ensure that your film does not run into problems, later on, is by applying for a film permit in Abu Dhabi beforehand.
Abu Dhabi Film Commission
You need approval from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission to start work in the city, so you must take this step before you begin production in Abu Dhabi.
The Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) is responsible for facilitating the growth of film production in the Emirate. Therefore, filming permission is granted for your application's specific public location(s).
While filming in private locations, you must agree on terms with the respective location owner and sign a location agreement for each private location. The fees charged to get the film permit is designed to cover its operating costs.
Types of Filming Permits in Abu Dhabi
The type of film permit you need will depend on the length, the subject matter of your film, and where you plan to film.
- If on the ground, you will require either a Public Ground Permit or a Private Location Permit – depending on the status of the location.
- If in the air, you will require an aerial permit
- If offshore, you will require a special permit to film at or close by oil installations; or a ground permit if you are filming elsewhere.
COVID-19 Guidelines
To ensure production continuity for any filming in Abu Dhabi in light of the COVID-19 outbreak, Abu Dhabi Film Commission has developed Covid-19 Production Best Practice Guidelines. You can read those guidelines here.
Paperwork and Timeline
The process can take between three to four days if you have all the required paperwork. Therefore, getting the film permit as soon as possible is a good idea, especially if you're planning an outdoor shoot.
The film permit application requires basic information about your projects, such as the title, genre, and storyboard with pictures, so that authorities can better understand what kind of filming you need to shoot in Abu Dhabi.
Apply Online
You can apply online for your Abu Dhabi film permit through a registered production service company. Once you have received your permit, you can begin making arrangements for filming in Abu Dhabi.
The service company will then issue you a letter of confirmation stating that you have been granted permission to shoot your film and that it can be seen in cinemas throughout the city.
Production Service Company
A good production service company can help you navigate the permitting process and avoid delays. It is where we come in!
We can assist you in securing filming permits in the Emirate. Additionally, we can assist you with locating both public and private locations, crew, talent, and equipment in Abu Dhabi.
Your best bet? Get in touch and let us handle all of this for you to minimize any delays or issues during filming, so everything goes smoothly.
We hope you find this article helpful, and as you can see, getting a film permit in Abu Dhabi is not as difficult as it may seem at first glance. In fact, with the right professional help and support from companies such as UAEFilmPermit, you’re likely to get your permit in no time!
