Dubai Film Production
Surrounded by the sprawling desert, and sitting on the sparkling coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai is an ultra-modern, high rise city. The skyscrapers and huge hotels make for interesting city shots, and just outside the city there are vast, unspoilt areas. With sunshine all year round, and luxurious locations, it’s a pleasant place to base your production.
Filming in Dubai
When filming in Dubai you will be required to work with a local production company like NEEDaFIXER DUBAI. Dubai has strict permitting rules and foreign companies are not allowed to apply for permits without the endorsement of a local production company. Generally speaking, however, the permit process often has a quick turnaround time and does not take more than a couple of weeks.
NEEDaFIXER can also offer advice on filming restrictions and local laws as well as offering interior and exterior locations. The United Arab Emirates government is generally welcoming to foreign film crews, and have invested in facilities such as Dubai Studio City to encourage filming in the area.
NEEDaFIXER has a strong pool of crew in the Dubai film industry and can supply camera operators, sound technicians, producers, runners, or any other crew members to match your production needs.
We can also source local talent and cast that suit your requirements, offering you anything from headshots to a full casting including live auditions and showreels so you can make casting decisions before you arrive.
We work with multiple kit houses in Dubai – ARRI, RED, Sony and Canon cameras are available amongst others. Most grip and lighting kit is easily accessible in Dubai too. If you are filming in the desert, then you might even want drones to capture overhead shots, and we can provide drones and qualified pilots.
Dubai has its own thriving film industry that creates Arabic language movies that are exported across the Middle East. However, it’s becoming an increasingly popular spot for foreign crews to film, with a diverse range of movies from Star Trek Beyond, to Syriana filmed in the country.
It has also become the background for many popular TV shows, from Doctor Who to 24. The desert landscape means it can be used as a stand-in for Middle Eastern countries where filming isn’t possible due to the political situation.
Popular Dubai Filming locations
- Hatta Heritage Village – Set among rocky mountain landscapes, just outside of Dubai’s bustling city centre, this tourist attraction has been designed to look exactly like a traditional Emirati village, making it ideal for historic productions.
- Textile Souq – The city’s Textile Souq is full of traditional features such as wooden arches and red-tiled floors. With lots of colourful stalls, and a busy, bustling atmosphere, it is an ideal location for anyone needing to film market scenes.
- Deira Corniche – Set on the waterfront, with clean, palm tree-lined streets and the backdrop of modern hotels; Deira Corniche is an ideal spot to capture the look of modern-day Dubai.
Fixers in Dubai
Dubai has many indoor and outdoor filming locations that are perfect for all sorts of productions. From the ultra-modern, luxurious surroundings of the beachfront hotels, to rooftops with views over the huge skyscrapers, there are plenty of unique places that would look amazing on film. The Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) issues the permits for private and public locations, and NEEDaFIXER DUBAI can help with chasing up the right paperwork in time from day one, as well as finding the perfect places to film, and getting cast and crew prepared.
What can our fixers in Dubai do for you?
Dubai can present a few challenges to the film crew. The weather can be really overwhelming, especially in the summer months, and as soon as you leave the comfort of your air-conditioned hotel you may be surprised by the heat.
Filming during Ramadan and other religious occasions can also be difficult and has the potential to cause disruption. We can advise the best locations to film when to film to avoid the worst of the weather and other practicalities.
When it comes to shooting permits, sourcing equipment and finding talent, our team can support you every step of the way. The Dubai film and TV commission, located in Dubai studio city is the best place to obtain a shooting permit for corporate videos, TV shows and feature films.
As a leading production company, we’re able to help you navigate the culture and restrictions of the United Arab Emirates, including rules surrounding filming in public locations and on private property.
Whatever you need, including choosing the right locations to shoot, we’ll work with you to ensure you keep in line with the government media regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How easy is it to get permits?
Filming in Dubai requires a permit for anyone there. The United Arab Emirates also only issue filming permits to registered companies, but we can get around this due to our many contacts in the country who will help us obtain shooting permits.
Do I need a visa or work permit?
Foreign individuals need a permit to work in Dubai, but once you know the process we can help you.
Can I hire equipment once there?
There are plenty of places to hire equipment and we have a list of locations that have equipment hire facilities.
What is the climate like?
Dubai has an incredibly warm climate, so bring your sunscreen! If you enjoy the heat, then you’ll love the Middle East.
Testimonials
’You guys were amazing! You delivered perfectly at short notice in a foreign country, introduced us to a lovely crew in both and really went the extra mile in making sure it was all taken care of and confirmed properly. I can’t thank you enough and look forward to working together again.’
Davo McConville
Free Lance Producer - Black Dog / RSA
’I have met NEEDaFIXER in Greece! It was LOVE from first sight. Since then, I cannot imagine my production without them! They are like Family! Always helpful. Always happy. Always with loads of energy… & always with PASSION for what they do!’
Katarzyna Chmielarz
Producer / GPD
