A Guide to Applying for Photography Permits in the UAE

Can I use drones for Instagram reels?

No, not without proper authorisation. Drone usage is heavily restricted in Dubai due to airspace safety regulations. Even recreational use requires approval from the GCAA and DFTC. Drones used without permits can lead to fines, equipment seizure, or legal actions. If you’re filming content for social media reels using drones, you must apply for a permit in advance.

Are permits needed for pre-wedding photography?

Yes, if the shoot is staged in public locations like parks, beaches, or historical sites. Pre-wedding photoshoots are considered semi-commercial, especially if photographers are hired professionally. Most venues will request a copy of your photography permit at entry, and without it, your session may be canceled. It’s best to coordinate with a local fixer for smooth execution.

What about desert or beach shoots?

Desert locations, though often remote, are still regulated. If you’re using the photos for a brand, event, or monetised content, a photography permit is necessary. Similarly, public beaches in Dubai are managed by municipal authorities and require permits for professional shoots. Casual mobile photos are permitted, but drones or lighting equipment will attract attention from local authorities.

Do I need a permit for a photoshoot at the Burj Khalifa?

Yes. The Burj Khalifa and its surrounding areas are privately managed, and any professional or commercial shoot requires prior approval. Even influencer-style photos with DSLR cameras can trigger enforcement if you’re seen using tripods, lighting, or filming crews. For causal photos with your phone, you’re typically safe, but check signage and be respectful of security instructions. ‍

Can I use a DSLR for street photography in Dubai?

Yes, you can use a DSLR for personal street photography, provided you avoid sensitive subjects and don’t shoot people without permission. However, if your equipment includes tripods, zoom lenses, or external lighting, authorities may assume it’s a professional shoot. In such cases, having a photography permit is advisable. To stay under the radar, keep your gear minimal and shoot in areas that are popular with tourists, where photography is more common and tolerated.

Is photography allowed during public events and festivals?

Photography is generally allowed during public events, but the context matters. While casual snapshots using a mobile phone are tolerated, commercial or press photography often requires a permit. Always check if the event has published any photography guidelines. Organisers may restrict professional filming or require written approval. If you plan to use the content for promotional purposes, applying for a photography permit ensures you’re legally protected and ethically compliant.

What happens if I record without a permit in a restricted area?

Recording without permission in areas like government buildings, mosques, or transport hubs can have severe consequences. Security may confiscate your equipment, and you could face fines or even criminal charges. Foreign nationals risk deportation. Content might also be deleted on the spot. If you’re unsure whether a location is restricted, it’s safe to either avoid filming or apply for a Dubai videography permit or Dubai photography permit in advance.

Do I need a permit to take drone shots in the desert?

Yes, drone usage anywhere in Dubai requires a license from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Additionally, the specific desert location may fall under restricted airspace or require landowner permission. Even if the desert appears unoccupied, unauthorised drone activity is illegal and can lead to fines or legal action. Always check with relevant authorities and obtain a videography permit if your drone shots are part of a commercial or brand-related project.

Can I film TikTok videos in Dubai Mall?

TikTok videos that are casual and shot using a phone without large equipment are usually allowed in Dubai Mall. However, security may stop you if they feel the filming is attracting too much attention or appears commercial. If you’re collaborating with a brand or using professional tools like gimbals and lights, a Dubai photography permit or Dubai videography permit is required. It’s always better to seek verbal permission from mall security before you start filming to avoid unnecessary disruptions.

How long does it take to get a film permit in Dubai?

The processing time for a photography or videography permit in Dubai ranges from 3 to 7 business days under standard conditions. Complex shoots requiring multiple location approvals, or projects involving aerial shots, can take up to 10 working days. Submitting accurate documentation and using a registered production partner can speed up the approval process. The Dubai Film and TV Commission offers an online tracking system to monitor application status.

Can I film inside malls or private properties?

Filming inside malls or any private property demands explicit permission from the property owner or management. Malls in the UAE have their own branding and visitor privacy concerns. Commercial shoots, influencer videos, or even B-roll capture for promotional use are not allowed without prior written approval. Some malls even have exclusive partnerships with production agencies and may change location fees.

Is a permit required for wedding shoots in the desert?

Yes. Wedding shoots in desert regions often require permits from local municipalities or environment departments. The use of commercial cameras, crew setup, and transport vehicles can affect the ecology and must be supervised. Even if the shoot feels private, any large-scale setup on government or tribal land needs a videography permit. Certain conservation zones are also off-limits unless you have clearances.

What permits are needed for drone videography?

Drone videography in the UAE is heavily regulated due to airspace restrictions and national security policies. You must obtain a drone operator license from the General Civil Aviation Authority and a location-specific videography permit from the respective emirate’s film commission. Drone flights are prohibited in many zones like airports, military areas, and residential zones unless explicitly authorised. Unauthorised drone use can lead to arrest or legal fines.

Do I need a permit for a personal photoshoot in a public park?

Yes, in many UAE jurisdictions, a personal photoshoot in a public park still requires a photography permit if any professional equipment (tripods, reflectors, or crew) is involved. Even though it may not be commercial, park authorities regulate any structured photo session to avoid misuse of space or disturbance to visitors. However, casual mobile phone photos with no props or commercial usage are generally allowed without formal permits.

Can tourists or small content creators also apply for public filming permits?

Yes. Even if you’re a small crew, vlogger, or influencer producing commercial content (sponsored videos, brand collabs, etc.), you are expected to follow the same permit rules as larger productions. Personal, non-commercial filming with a phone usually isn’t targeted, but anything with a commercial or promotional purpose should be cleared in advance.

How early should I apply for a film permit?

Apply at least 5–10 working days before the shoot. Complex shoots, big crews or road closures may need more time.

Does a public property permit also cover private locations in the UAE?

No. Public and private locations are handled separately. For private locations (malls, hotels, offices, residential communities), you must secure written permission from the property owner or management in addition to any government film permit that may be required. Both approvals work together to make your shoot fully compliant.

Who issues film permits for public locations in the UAE?

Permits are usually issued by government media or film authorities in each emirate (for example, dedicated film commissions or media councils), often in coordination with other departments such as municipalities, police, or tourism authorities. A specialist permit facilitator like UAE Film Permit coordinates with these bodies on your behalf.

Is filming in public legal in the UAE?

Yes, but professional or commercial filming in public spaces must follow rules and normally needs permits from authorities.