The basics

If you plan to shoot in Dubai, you must obtain a filming permit from the Dubai Film and Television Commission (DFTC). The DFTC is a single point of contact and is responsible for contacting other government bodies, including Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Roads and Transportation Authority, and location owners to obtain all approvals prior to issue a permit.

Government regulations require that any party wishing to shoot in Dubai obtain a shooting permit. This applies to filming on public, government-run, and private property. Not just anyone can apply for filming permits, only companies licensed in the UAE to obtain them. This means that if you do not fall into this category, you must hire a UAE licensed company to apply for the permit on your behalf.

Something to note: some companies will not request permission to film unless one of their employees is at work. The reason for this is that the company applying for and obtaining the filming permit will be liable if any regulatory or related issues arise during filming. Having someone on site reduces the chances of problems

The DFTC aims to grant shooting permits within five business days after the application is submitted. For most shootings, the application is done online. If a permit will take more than five business days to process, the DFTC will generally inform the requesting company. Please note holidays – these will add to your application processing time if they fall within five business days.

The five business days apply to unscripted shootings. If you are filming a movie or TV series that has a script, you will need to get script approval and that can take up to 25 business days.

Rate

The cost of a filming permit depends on the type, location and duration of the filming. All permit applications start with an application fee paid to the DFTC of 500 dirhams (approximately US $ 137). If the application is successful, the rates below apply to public places. For private locations, the rate will range from no charge to a maximum charge of dirham 25,000 (approximately US $ 6,850) per day.

Some examples of how private location charges vary: If you are filming an interview and b-roll at your client’s Dubai office, there will clearly be no location charge. If you want to film somewhere like the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world) or one of Dubai’s malls, a location fee will generally apply and it will vary depending on what is required. Private locations that charge permit fees may also charge additional fees for security or cleaning or other services.

The company applying for and obtaining the permit may also charge a fee for processing the application. That charge will vary from company to company.

Standard Rates – Public Locations

Type of duration of the filming fee

Reality shows and magazines,

Lifestyle programs, formats 2500 dhs (US $ 685) Up to 30 days

News, current affairs 2500 dhs Up to 14 days

TV and online ads 2,500 dhs Up to 3 days

Corporate videos 2500 dhs Up to 7 days

Aerial shots No fee Up to 7 days

What is required for the application

The company that you hire to manage your request will need the following information:

• Your company details: company name, address, website address, phone number

• List of people who will be filming and scanning their passports

• Session details: who it is for, the purpose of the session, the content of what will be filmed.

You will also need to provide a “Certificate of No Objection” – a letter on your company letterhead confirming that you want the UAE licensed company to apply for your permission and that your company does not object to the UAE licensed company carry out the shoot. .

Once you provide the above information and the No Objection certificate, the UAE licensed company will submit the application. Generally, the permit will be issued within five business days in accordance with DFTC policy.

The full terms and conditions that apply to Dubai filming permits can be found on the following website. Better to read them (they are not that long) before shooting.

http://www.dubaifilmcommission.ae/filming-in-dubai/how-to-film-in-dubai/terms-and-conditions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *