Summary
Filming permit requirements in the UAE vary by emirate and by project type. Dubai and Abu Dhabi each issue their own permits as temporary (single-day) or long-term (90-day) approvals, and separate permits apply for drones, events, and specific location types. This guide covers each permit type, what documentation you'll need, and how the application process works.
The UAE's film industry spans everything from feature films to branded content, and the permit you need depends on where you're filming, what you're filming with, and which emirate you're in. Getting the wrong permit or assuming one emirate's approval covers another is one of the most common causes of production delays.
This guide breaks down the main permit types, what's required to apply, and how the process works from documentation to approval.
If you'd rather skip the research and get this handled directly, UAE Film Permit manages the full application process on your behalf.
Types of Filming Permits
Filming permits in the UAE are location-specific, which is the first thing to understand before planning a shoot. A Dubai filming permit doesn't cover Abu Dhabi locations, and vice versa; each emirate has its own issuing authority and process.
Dubai filming permit is issued by the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC), the authority responsible for approvals within the emirate. Only businesses registered in the UAE can apply directly, which is why international productions typically work through a licensed local partner like Film Permit.
Abu Dhabi filming permit is issued by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) and is required for any filming activity in the emirate. Abu Dhabi's regulations place particular emphasis on respecting local culture and heritage at filming locations, so productions should factor this into location planning early.
Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi permits are available in two forms:
- Temporary permit: valid for a single day, suited to short shoots or one-off scenes.
- Long-term permit: valid for up to 90 days, better suited to longer productions or projects filming across multiple sessions.
Beyond these general permits, specific project types may require additional approvals:
- Drone permits, coordinated with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), for any aerial filming.
- Event filming permits, for capturing footage at public or ticketed events.
- Location-specific permits, for government buildings, malls, hotels, or other third-party-owned properties, which require separate permission from the property owner in addition to the standard filming permit.
For a full breakdown of the process end-to-end, see our step-by-step guide to getting a film and photography permit in the UAE.
How to Apply for a Permit
The process itself is straightforward once you know which permit type applies to your project: identify the right permit, complete the application form, and submit the required documentation.
Most international productions handle this through a UAE-registered partner like UAE Film Permit, since only locally licensed businesses can apply directly with the DFTC or ADFC.
Documents Required
Before applying, have the following ready:
- Production details (project type, dates, crew size)
- Script or treatment
- Passport copies for the full crew
- A list of intended filming locations
With these in hand, the rest of the application is largely administrative.
Share a Brief of Your Project
Different project types like documentaries, TV series, feature films, and advertising content may call for different permit combinations. Sharing a clear project brief upfront, including your objectives, requirements, and any reference material, helps identify exactly which permits your shoot needs before you submit anything.
Working with a UAE-licensed partner for film permits at this stage can shorten the process significantly, since they already know which permit combinations apply to which project types.
Confirmation
Once your project details are received, you'll get a proposal outlining scope of work and timelines. After approval, the formal application moves forward.
Obtain Your Permit
Processing protocols differ slightly between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, so if you're unsure which applies, contact a film permit specialist before submitting. Once your application is approved, you'll receive the official permit required to begin filming legally.
Conclusion
Knowing which type of filming permit applies to your project general, drone, event, or location-specific is the first step to a compliant, delay-free shoot in the UAE. For government buildings and public landmarks, an official permit is mandatory; for third-party-owned locations like malls or hotels, you'll also need direct permission from the property owner.
UAE Film Permit handles the full process from identifying which permits your project needs to managing documentation, approvals, and on-the-ground logistics. Get in touch to get your permit sorted before your shoot date.
