Introduction
With a dominating skyline, expansive desert, state-of-the-art highway bridges, a futuristic light-rail system, giant man-made islands, and spectacular seaside structures, Dubai is a photographer’s paradise. Known for its excessive wealth, glitz, and the world’s biggest and tallest of everything, it truly lives up to its reputation. There’s so much to shoot here that wherever you point your camera in Dubai, you are guaranteed to capture something awesome, which will take your breath away. These are some of the top reasons why Dubai draws so many photographers and videographers every year to shoot films, commercials, corporate videos, and more.
With 4 decades of experience in providing filming permits for production companies from outside and being locals, we have extensive knowledge about shooting videos in Dubai. So, let’s check out the top ten tips to make sure you have the basic know-how before you begin shooting:
With a dominating skyline, expansive deserts, state-of-the-art highway bridges, a futuristic light-rail system, giant man-made islands, and spectacular seaside structures, Dubai is a cinematographer’s paradise.
Known for its distinct architecture and glitz, the city truly lives up to its reputation. Its diversity attracts several photographers and videographers annually to shoot films, commercials, corporate videos, and more.
Our four decades of experience providing filming permits and close connection with the locals gives us an edge in extensive knowledge about shooting videos in Dubai. In this guide, our experts share the top ten production tips for location scouting before shooting videos in Dubai.
Secure location permission for movie effortlessly. Get all the essential details to ensure a smooth and compliant filming process.
10 Must-Know Location Production Tips for Shooting in Dubai
1. Obtain Permission
We cannot reiterate this enough. Whether you need to shoot a movie, documentary, corporate video, or TV show, you need to obtain a filming permit license in Dubai, UAE, or the Gulf or you will have to pay a very huge amount as a fine.
The UAE government requires you to work with a licensed media partner like Studio52 to obtain the permit. If you are shooting indoors at a private property that doesn’t reflect any part of Dubai or UAE and doesn’t show any buildings, you won’t need to get filming permission. If you’re in any public or private places, however, you need to gather the proper permits.
We cannot reiterate this enough. Whether you need to shoot a movie, documentary, corporate video, or TV show, you must obtain a filming permit licence in Dubai, UAE, or the Gulf to avoid paying an exorbitant fine.
According to the UAE film permit laws, permits are required for government-operated, public, or private locations. Filming government buildings in Dubai like the Dubai Chamber, Dubai Civil Defense, Dubai Courts, Dubai Public Prosecution, and other such entities is strictly prohibited unless you have permission. So, before you plan to shoot in Dubai, obtain consent for each property individually.
2. Respect the Local Culture
From cityscapes to the desert, there’s so much to shoot in Dubai that you might get overwhelmed. So, before you begin shooting, you need to respect the local culture as you would in any country.
In general people in Dubai don’t mind photographers or videographers moving around with cameras, but if you invade anyone’s privacy, most people won’t like it. Try to avoid doing that, and if someone’s coming in your way, you can politely ask them to move away.
Filming government buildings in Dubai like the Dubai Chamber, Dubai Civil Defense, Dubai Courts, Dubai Public Prosecution, and other such entities is strictly prohibited unless you have permission.
From cityscapes to the desert, the city has an overwhelming number of locations to shoot in. Before you begin shooting, you need to consider the norms of the local Emirati culture. People in Dubai don't mind photographers or videographers unless you attempt to invade their privacy. Aside from respecting people's privacy, being sensitive to the local culture is also essential. According to Article 4.5 of Dubai's Code of Conduct, you should not take photos of people – especially women and families – in public places without their consent.
Make your Dubai shoot successful by understanding the key details of location permits.
Additionally, the UAE is a country of cultural and ethical standards. Shooting provocative films, including nudity, pornography, and vulgarity, is strictly prohibited. Any illustration, picture, or video portraying the Islamic faith in a negative and unethical light is also forbidden. So, before planning to shoot in the UAE, you must thoroughly and carefully review their filming permit.
Explore Dubai as Your Film Location. Reach out to our expert panel to start your journey!
3. Capture the Local Culture
When you are in Dubai, you need to be aware of the best places to shoot as it can add context, culture, and uniqueness to your video content. You can capture the local tourist hot spots, and popular sights in new cinematic ways. Head on to Bur Dubai, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Dubai, to capture traditional architecture, narrow side streets, and mosques for an insight into the life of ‘real Dubai’.
There’s a lot to film in Dubai Creek if you are not looking for the glitz and glamour. You would find local people sailing in small ‘Abra’ to and from work each day down the creek. There’s also the Spice Souk and the Textile Souk for some amazing shots.
In Dubai, you need a location guidebook to the best locations that can add a distinct cultural texture to your project. You can capture the local tourist hot spots and famous sights in new cinematic ways. Head to Bur Dubai, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Dubai, to capture traditional architecture, narrow side streets, and mosques for an insight into the life of 'Real Dubai.'
Dubai Creek has much to offer for a more laid-back waterfront cityscape, so add it to your visiting list. You can also visit the Spice Souk and the Textile Souk if you are interested in local art and heritage shots.
4. Travel Beyond Dubai
Whether you are there to shoot a film, an ad, or a TV show, don’t just limit yourself to Dubai. An hour and a half drive south of Dubai would take you to another magical location, Abu Dhabi. There’s the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the most opulent and impressive religious monuments in the world.
There’s another magnificent location, Sharjah, just a 30-minute drive north of Dubai, that you can use as a base for filming. It has a blue-collar vibe which could make for some interesting videography, especially if you are shooting a corporate video or anything related to it.
If you want to capture the stars and dunes, you can head to the desert cities nearby.
Whether you intend to shoot a film, an ad, or a TV show, don't limit yourself to Dubai. An hour and a half drive south of Dubai would take you to another magical location, Abu Dhabi. Its Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the world's most opulent and impressive religious monuments. Another location, Sharjah, just a 30-minute drive north of Dubai, is a filmmaker's choice for capturing a blue-collar vibe, especially while shooting a corporate video. Finally, you can visit the desert cities nearby to capture the stars and dunes.
5. Magnificent Architectures
If you plan to make a video with futuristic elements, like the producers of Star Trek Beyond or Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, then Dubai offers the perfect architectural masterpieces to bring your vision to life.
Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, has 163 floors, with the upper half covered in fog all year. Other significant buildings with such futuristic settings include the Burj al Arab, the Infinity Tower, and the Princess Tower.
Dubai’s iconic landmarks, like the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah, offer ideal settings for your video projects. Choose Studio 52 for your next shoot.
6. Best Time to Shoot
Most of the places in the UAE have a desert climate characterised by extreme heat during the day and an abrupt drop in temperature at night. Summers from June to August are humid and have very high temperatures. You might also need to prepare yourself for thunderstorms and dust storms that can strike suddenly and impact visibility. From October to March, you would find the weather to be milder, and thus best for shooting.
Filming during the holy month of Ramadan could prove to be difficult as many services close during this time. Public holidays may also affect timing, availability, and costs.
If you want to include horses or camels racing through the desert, you need to visit during the months that they take place. The Emirates World Series Horse Race takes place in April, while camel racing happens from September to March.
Most places in the UAE have a desert climate characterized by extreme heat during the day and an abrupt temperature drop by the night. Summers from June to August are humid and have very high temperatures. You should also prepare for thunderstorms and dust storms that can suddenly strike and impact visibility. From October to March, the weather would be milder and thus best for shooting.
Filming during the holy month of Ramadan could be difficult as many services close. Public holidays may also affect timing, availability, and costs.
If you want to include horses or camels racing through the desert, you need to visit during the specific months of the event. The Emirates World Series Horse Race takes place in April, while camel racing happens from September to March.
Plan your shoot with confidence! Explore essential weather consideration & seasonal tips to ensure the perfect production every time.
7. Visa Matters
You may obtain a visitor visa for free at the point of entry into the United Arab Emirates. Since you will be filming with your equipment, you will also need a copy of filming permissions to show the customs department to get your equipment in the Emirates with all relevant documents.
If you do not want to go through all that hassles, you can contact Studio52 for not only a filming permit but also, state-of-the-art camera equipment.
You may obtain a free visitor visa in the United Arab Emirates. Since you will be filming with your equipment, you will also need a copy of filming permissions to show the customs department how to get your equipment in the Emirates with all the relevant documents.
Contact Studio52 for a filming permit and state-of-the-art camera equipment to avoid going through all that hassle.
8. Follow a Proper Dress Code
For filming outdoors, it’s very important to follow the dress code in Dubai. Respect the local dress if you are in public. The dress code might vary depending on where you for in Dubai, but typically, men shouldn’t wear shorts, unbuttoned shirts, or shirts that are tucked in. Women should refrain from wearing any tight-fitting clothing, low-cut tops, dresses or skirts above the knee, sleeveless garments, or leggings.
For filming outdoors, following the dress code in Dubai is very important. Respect the local dress if you are in public. The dress code might vary depending on where you are in Dubai, but typically, men shouldn't wear shorts, unbuttoned shirts, or shirts that are tucked in. Women should avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing, low-cut tops, dresses or skirts above the knee, sleeveless, or leggings. So, before leaving, ensure you have packed appropriately for the city's dress code.
9. Language
Even though the official language of Dubai is Arabic, you can communicate with locals in English. This is why it’s not much of an issue while you film in Dubai. However, if you want to make a good rapport with the locals for any shots or hire any local actors, it wouldn’t hurt to learn a few key phrases in Arabic.
We hope these tips will help you prepare yourself in advance so you can head straight to shooting. If you want to film in Dubai, you can go through our resources on film permit for more information or just contact us!
Even though the official language of Dubai is Arabic, locals are fluent in English, making communication with them significantly simpler and, thereby, the production process. However, if you want to build a good rapport with the locals for any shots or hire local actors, you should learn a few key phrases in Arabic.
These tips will help you prepare in advance and make your production seamless. If you want to film in Dubai, you can go through our resources on film permit for more information or just contact us for a consultation.
10. No Alcohol Promotion
Although alcohol is readily available in Dubai's hotels, restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs, it's essential to remember that filming scenes featuring alcohol consumption or related topics requires specific approval in advance.
What permits do you need to film in the UAE?
a. Script Approval:
Obtain Media Regulatory Office (MRO) Script Approval from the Ministry of Culture & Youth to ensure compliance with local rules.
b. Ground Permit:
Apply for a Ground Filming Permit post Script Approval, specifying locations in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra, and other parts of UAE.
c. Aerial Permit:
Secure an Aerial Filming Permit for airborne scenes by obtaining NOC from MRO and applying to GCAA.
Film Permit Application Process
Applicant Requirement:
To obtain a filming permit in Dubai, an individual, corporation, or entity must hire a UAE-licensed production company. Companies like UAE Film Permit can help you with your application.
Filming Location:
You must obtain permits for filming in government, private, or public locations. So make sure to check Public and Private Locations thoroughly in the official UAE film permit portal.
Media Platforms:
Secure permits for audio and visual productions across TV, film, radio, online, mobile, and print platforms.
Content Format:
Obtain permits for various content formats, including advertisements, short-form, long-form, documentaries, radio programs, and photography.
Documents Required for the Application Process:
- The organisation working on the project must provide a commissioning letter designating the production company with a UAE licence. (Model Letter of Commissioning)
- DFTC reserves the right to request additional documents from applicants and reject any application.
Dubai has become a hot spot for video shoots and productions, highlighting its stunning visuals in recent years. Start your project in Dubai with a Film Permit.
