Why do you need a UAE Film Permit?
The UAE is a dream destination for filmmakers; from the futuristic cityscape of Dubai to the vast, golden dunes of the Empty Quarter, this has been the ultimate go-to for movies, ad films, promotional videos, and more.
It is important to remember, however, that filming in the UAE is not allowed without securing the UAE Film Permit issued by the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC), the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) or the National Media Council (NMC).
This is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the Dubai film permit and/or the Abu Dhabi filming permit. Here you will find the application process, costs, and regulations that you need to know before filming in the UAE. So read on to save on lost time, uncontrolled delays, and legal expenses.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a UAE Film Permit
1. Familiarize yourself on the UAE filming regulations
UAE film permits are in place to protect public privacy, national security, and cultural values. Any digression is punishable by heavy fines, legal action, or cancellation of the entire shoot.
Key things to note:
- Filming in public areas requires additional permissions
- Special approvals are required to film near government buildings, military zones, or sensitive areas
- It is important to understand and adhere to cultural guidelines. Inappropriate content may be rejected.
2. Choose the Right Emirate for Your Shoot
Each emirate has its own rules and regulations. Develop a clear understanding before applying for your film permit for uae.
- Dubai: Permits for commercial productions, corporate videos, and international films are handled by the relevant film authority.
- Abu Dhabi: Offers rebates and incentives for large productions, making it a popular choice for filmmakers.
- Other Emirates: Require approvals from local authorities and the UAE Media Council.
3. Arrange for and submit the following documents to the authorities
- Script/Storyboard: A blueprint of all the scenes you intend to shoot
- Production Plan: Includes your timelines and locations for the shoot
- Crew roster: List of all your crew members
- Location details: List of all the locations you intend to shoot at
Each film commission may have additional requirements; check thoroughly before you proceed.
4. Costs and Fees for film permit
Costs depend on factors like the location, duration, and type of project. Below is a breakdown of general fees:
Dubai Film Permit Fees
- Application Fee
- Public Locations
- Private Locations
- Aerial Filming:
Abu Dhabi Film Permit Fees
- Application Fee
- Ground Filming
- Aerial Filming: Separate drone permits required
Other costs include road closures, crowd control, and police assistance. Be sure to budget accordingly.
5. Time taken for approvals and processing
In most cases, UAE film permits are processed between 5-7 days. In some cases, especially for projects requiring shoots in government buildings or sensitive areas, it may take up to 25 days.
For Abu Dhabi productions, script approval from the UAE Media Council is required before applying for a permit. This can take an additional 5-15 working days.
6. Additional permits that may be applicable
- Drone Permits – Required from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for aerial filming.
- Customs Clearance – Needed for bringing in filming equipment from abroad.
- Special Location Approvals – Some landmarks, like the Burj Khalifa, have separate application processes.
Not having the required permits may attract fines, equipment seizing, and other legal hassles.
7. Understand and strictly adhere to UAE Cultural Guidelines
The UAE has stringent guidelines so that content produced aligns with its cultural sensibilities.
- Adjust to religious sensibilities: Avoid any content that may be considered controversial or offensive
- Dress with care: Actors and crew members are advised to dress modestly
- Avoid controversy: Don’t shoot or create content which contains sexuality or profanity in any form
- Respect National Symbols – Do not depict the UAE flag, national leaders, or government institutions in a negative light.
Any violations of these guidelines can cause complete shutdowns.
8. Penalties and fines for non-compliance
You can be fined heavily if any guidelines are ignored or privacy is infringed. You may suffer from financial losses for:
- Filming without permission
- Shooting without location approval
- Unauthorized filming activities
- Other violations (e.g., property damage, littering) Avoid such financial penalties by securing the right permits and following the local laws.
Conclusion: Avoid costly mistakes and get your UAE film permit stress-free
Securing a UAE permit for shooting may seem like an overwhelming process. However, with organized planning and deep study of rules and regulations, this process can be made smoother.
Here are the things to remember:
- There may be multiple permits required for a shoot
- Start your processing early to adjust for the processing time
- Every emirate has a specific set of regulations to follow
- Following cultural guidelines is essential for smooth filming
- Stay away from controversial subjects, profanity, or disrespecting national symbols
- Not having an authorized film permit or violating content regulations may lead to hefty fines, equipment confiscation, and cancellation of the shoot
At UAE Film Permit, we understand how important your dream project is. Which is why, we are a one-stop destination for handling all permit-related assistance. With a deep knowledge of local laws and regulations, along with familiarity with cultural nuances, we guide you through all possible complexities to get your permit smoothly without legal hassles.
Contact us today or book a meeting to get your film permits without any roadblocks.
