Summary
Location permission for a movie in the UAE is obtained by submitting your script, crew details, insurance, and a location plan to the relevant film commission, the Dubai Film and TV Commission, Abu Dhabi Film Commission, or equivalent body in the emirate where you're shooting. International productions typically apply through a UAE-licensed partner, since direct applications are limited to UAE-registered businesses. This guide walks through who to apply to, what to submit, and what happens after you apply.
Every location you plan to shoot in the UAE, whether it's a public street, a private building, or a landmark like the Burj Khalifa, falls under a permit system tied to the emirate you're filming in. The process isn't just paperwork: it determines which locations you can actually access, how long approval takes, and what happens if your application is incomplete. This guide breaks down the process so you know exactly what to submit, who to submit it to, and how to avoid the delays that catch most first-time productions off guard.
Why You Need Location Permission Before Filming
A film permit is the legal authorization that allows you to shoot at a specific location in the UAE. It exists to confirm your production complies with local law, respects cultural and religious sensitivities tied to certain sites, and doesn't disrupt public safety or traffic.
It also determines access. Landmarks and government-linked sites — the kind of locations that make a UAE shoot visually distinctive — are generally closed to unauthorized filming. A permit is what opens that access, and it's checked at the location, not just on paper.
Who Issues Location Permission
Permit authority is split by emirate:
- Dubai — issued by the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC).
- Abu Dhabi — issued by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC).
- Other emirates — each has its own film office or media authority; requirements aren't interchangeable between emirates.
Only UAE-registered businesses can apply directly with these bodies. International productions and independent filmmakers typically go through a licensed local partner UAE Film Permit handles this application on your behalf, including the location-specific approvals.
What You Need to Submit
A standard location permission application requires:
- A project synopsis or shooting script
- Crew and cast details
- Proof of insurance coverage
- A list of intended filming locations, with dates
- Equipment details (cameras, drones, cranes, or other gear you're bringing)
For sites owned by a third party — malls, hotels, private buildings — you'll also need separate written permission from the property owner, in addition to the government-issued permit.
What Happens After You Apply
Once submitted, the relevant authority reviews your application against a few factors: the project's cultural sensitivity, its impact on public safety or traffic, and whether the requested locations and equipment are appropriate for the shoot type. Applying well ahead of your shoot date rather than close to it gives this review room to happen without delaying production.
If questions come up during review, staying responsive with the authority (or having your licensed partner do so on your behalf) is what keeps the timeline moving. Once approved, you'll receive the permit required to begin filming — after which you can proceed with final location scouting, on-site logistics, and scheduling.
Also read: Fantastic Locations to Film in the UAE
Conclusion
Getting location permission for a movie in the UAE comes down to three things: applying to the right authority for your emirate, submitting complete documentation, and allowing enough lead time for review. Skipping any of these is the most common reason productions face delays.
UAE Film Permit manages this process end-to-end — from identifying which permits your locations and equipment require to submitting documentation and coordinating approvals. Apply for your permit today to get your shoot locked in without last-minute setbacks.
