How To Get Filming Permits In Dubai
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The Basics
If you plan to do a shoot in Dubai, you are required to get a shooting permit from the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC). The DFTC is a single point of contact and is responsible for contacting other government bodies including Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority and location owners to secure all approvals before issuing a permit.
Government regulations require any party wanting to shoot in Dubai to get a shooting permit. This applies to shoots on public, government-operated and private property. Not anyone can apply for shooting permits – only companies licensed in the United Arab Emirates to obtain them. This means if you don’t fall into this category, you have to hire a UAE-licensed company to apply for the permit on your behalf.
Something to be aware of – some companies will not apply for permission for shoots unless one of their staff is on the job. The reason for this is the company applying for and securing the shooting permit will be held responsible if any regulatory or related issue arises during the shoot. Having someone on location reduces the chances of any problems
The DFTC aims to grant shooting permits within five working days of the application being submitted. For most shoots, the application is made on line. If a permit is going to take more than five working days to process, the DFTC will generally let the applying company know. Be aware of public holidays – these will add to the application processing time if they fall in the course of the five working days.
The five working days applies to non-scripted shoots. If you are shooting a film or TV series that has a script, you will need to get script approval and that can take up to 25 working days.
Fees
The cost of a filming permit depends on the type, location and duration of the shoot. All permission applications start with an application fee paid to the DFTC of 500 dirhams (about US $137). If the application is successful, the fees below apply for public locations. For private locations, the fee will range from no charge to a maximum charge of 25,000 dirhams (about US $6,850) per day.
Some examples of how private location charges vary: if you are shooting an interview and b-roll in your client’s Dubai office there will clearly be no location charge. If you want to shoot somewhere such as the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building) or in one of Dubai’s malls, a location charge will generally be made and it will vary depending on what’s required. Private locations that charge permission fees may also make additional charges for security or cleaning or other services.
The company applying for and securing the permit may also charge a fee for handling the application. That charge will vary from company to company.
Standard Fees – Public Locations
Type of Shoot Fee Duration
Reality and magazine shows,
Lifestyle shows, formats 2,500 dhs (US $685) Up to 30 days
News, Current Affairs 2,500 dhs Up to 14 days
TV and online ads 2,500 dhs Up to 3 days
Corporate Videos 2,500 dhs Up to 7 days
Aerial shoots No fee Up to 7 days
What’s Required For The Application
The company you engage to handle your application will need the following details from you:
• Your company details: Company name, address, website address, phone number
• List of people who will be on the shoot and scans of their passports
• Details of the shoot: Who it’s for, the purpose of the shoot, the content of what will be shot
You will also need to provide a “No Objection Certificate” – a letter on your company letterhead confirming you would like the UAE-licensed company to apply for your permit and that your company does not object to the UAE-licensed company carrying out the shoot.
Once you provide the information above and the No Objection certificate, the UAE-licensed company will submit the application. Generally the permit will be delivered within five working days in line with DFTC’s policy.
The full terms and conditions that apply to Dubai filming permits are on the following website. It is best to read them (they’re not that long) before your shoot.
http://www.dubaifilmcommission.ae/filming-in-dubai/how-to-film-in-dubai/terms-and-conditions
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