Filming in the UAE has grown significantly over the past decade, attracting local, regional, and international productions. However, filming is strictly regulated across the Emirates, requiring producers to secure formal authorisation before shooting. Whether you’re planning a short commercial, a feature film, or a digital content piece, obtaining a film permit is a legal requirement.
Thi blog explores what an official film permit looks like, what it includes, how it’s processed, and what production teams must prepare to ensure full compliance when filming in UAE.
Inside the Permit: A Breakdown of What It Includes
An official UAE Film Permit is a government issued document that outlines all approved details for a given production. It is not a generic certificate, it is a project specific authorisation that includes:
- Project Information: Title, purpose, synopsis, and genre.
- Production Company Details: License number, contact person, and local sponsor (if applicable).
- Crew List: Names, nationalities, passport numbers, and roles.
- Equipment List: Cameras, drones, cranes, lighting, rigs, etc.
- Shooting Dates and Times: Defined hour ranges per day, valid over a specific period
- Location Approvals: Detailed addresses with GPS coordinates, maps, and zone designations
- Restriction and Special Conditions: Noise limits, public access control, or transport coordination
- QR Code or Reference Number: Used by authorities for real-time verification
Each film permit issued is digital and often linked to municipal and law enforcement databases. This ensures on-ground authorities can cross-check and validate it during the shoot.
Who Issues the Permit and What Are the Jurisdictions?
The UAE operates through a decentralised permit system, meaning different Emirates have different governing bodies. Here’s how it works:
Dubai
The Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) is the primary authority for issuing a Dubai film permit. Thye manage both public and private location approvals, working in coordination with property developers like Emar, Nakheel, and Meraas. Additional approvals may be needed from Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, or RTA, depending on the location and nature of the shoot.
Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) is responsible for issuing an Abu Dhabi filming permit. ADFC works closely with local authorities, transport departments, and the military for location approvals, especially when filming in sensitive areas such as ports or near government buildings.
The issuing process in each Emirate is tied to its local regulations. Applying to the wrong authority or failing to include the right documentation can delay your project or result in a rejection.
Step-by-Step: What the Application Process Involves
Applying for a film permit for UAE involves several steps. It’s not an overnight process and being well-prepared can make a significant difference in approval time.
- Pre-Application Planning
Before applying, production teams must have:
- A full project synopsis and script
- Tentative shoot schedule with dates and times
- Location list with coordinates or property ownership documentation
- Crew passport copies and visa status
- Proof of insurance (public liability and third-party)
- Submitting the Application
Applications are submitted through official online platforms operated by DFTC or ADFC or through appointed local partners. Most applications take 5-7 business days to process, provided all the documentation is complete.
- Clearances and Coordination
Once submitted, the application is reviewed, and relevant departments (e.g., police, municipality, road transport, or aviation) are consulted if the shoot involves special elements such as:
- Drone operations
- Road closures
- Night filming
- Use of pyrotechnics or weapons (even props)
- Permit Issuance
If approved you will receive a digital filming permit that includes all terms and conditions. This document must be printed and available on set during every day of shooting.
What Happens If You Film Without a Permit?
Filming without a valid Dubai filming permit or its equivalent in other Emirates is considered a legal violation. Consequences can include:
- Immediate suspension of the shoot
- Seizure of equipment
- Monetary fines
- Revocation of future permit privileges
- Criminal charges in cases involving public safety or national security violations
Authorities conduct random inspections of film sets. If you’re found without a permit or outside your authorised location or time slo, enforcement actions are immediate and often irreversible.
Special Considerations for Public and Private Spaces
Obtaining a permit to film in public requires separate evaluations. For example, shooting in high-traffic zones like Downtown Dubai or Abu Dhabi Corniche will involve additional coordination with traffic authorities, property managers, and sometimes security firms.
For private property filming, whether it’s a villa, office, or shopping mall, written consent from the property owner is mandatory. This consent must be uploaded with the application to be included in the permit scope.
Certain areas such as religious sites, airports, government buildings, and military zones, are restricted or completely off-limits without high-level security clearances.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejections
Securing a UAE film permit is a structured process, and rejections often occur due to errors that could have been easily avoided with due diligence. Here are the most common pitfalls:
- Incomplete Crew or Equipment Declarations : Authorities require full transparency on who is participating in the shoot and what gear is being brought to the location. If names, passport details, or equipment specifications are missing or mismatched, the application may be delayed or denied.
- Non-Translated Scripts : For content intended for television, streaming, or public distribution, a translated script, usually in Arabic, is required. If the original script is submitted without translation, reviewers may flag it for non-compliance or reject it outright.
- Lack of Insurance Coverage : Most Emirates mandate proof of public liability insurance. Productions that don’t submit valid insurance documents are often rejected as they pose potential legal and safety risks to the public and authorities involved.
- Incorrect or Vague Location Details : Permits are tied to specific coordinates and addresses. Applications with vague location descriptions, wrong plot numbers, or incomplete landmarks cannot be approved because they make on-site verification difficult.
- Missing Permissions for Private Properties : If your shoot involves a mall, hotel, park, beach, or residential property, a no-objection letter or official approval from the property owner is necessary. Skipping this step leads to instant disqualification of the location from the permit scope.
Rejections delay your schedule and create complications in resubmission due to timing constraints with partner approvals. Hence, even small administrative errors must be proactively avoided to ensure approval on the first attempt.
Conclusion
Understanding what a film permit looks like in the UAE is essential for anyone involved in content production. It’s more than an approval, it’s a detailed operational guide that defines what is allowed, where, and when. Following the official process protects your project legally and ensures cooperation with local authorities, avoiding unnecessary interruptions or penalties.
The UAE’s commitment to becoming a global media hub is evident in the efficiency and professionalism of its permitting system. But with that comes the responsibility to operate within the legal framework.
If your production schedule is tight or you’re unsure how to proceed, UAE Film Permit is here to help. Our team handles the application, coordination, and follow-ups with local authorities, giving you the peace of mind to focus on your shoot. Whether you’re filming in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or across multiple Emirates, UAE Film Permit ensures your approvals are complete, accurate, and fully compliant.
Contact UAE Film Permit today and take the stress out of your next production.
