FILMING IN
DUBAI,UAE

Our Dubai Office In Dubai Marina

Our stunning office in Dubai Marina is the heart of our Middle East operations. Here, our passionate team of expert producers, line producers, production managers, and coordinators work tirelessly to make your project a reality. Our team handles even the most complex shoots while keeping energy and morale high

We’ve worked with some of the world’s biggest brands and production houses. Our deep knowledge of Dubai’s iconic and hidden filming locations, world-class studios and versatile urban and desert landscapes makes us the ideal partner for your shoot.

Meet The Team

At NEEDaFIXER Dubai, our team is our greatest asset. Each member is a true expert in their craft.

Senior Producers:
Our senior producers have extensive experience in high-end TVCs, feature films, and complex multi-location shoots. They excel at managing large teams and ensuring seamless communication and execution.

Line Producers:
Experts at budget management and logistics, our line producers work tirelessly to make sure everything runs on schedule and within budget, whether you’re filming in a luxury hotel or the middle of the desert.

Production Managers:
Our production managers oversee day-to-day operations, managing everything from crew schedules to equipment rentals, and ensuring every detail is covered.

Production Coordinators:
They keep everything organized, liaising between departments and making sure your shoot is a well-oiled machine.

Post-Production Team:
Our in-house post-production department features some of the best editors, VFX specialists, and AI artists in the industry, ready to bring your footage to life.

Our diverse team makes filming in Dubai productive and enjoyable, with a collaborative approach that delivers top results.

Testimonial

How to Get a Filming Permit in Dubai (Step-by-Step)

Every professional shoot in Dubai needs a filming permit. The issuing authority is the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC), which now operates under the Dubai Media Council following the establishment of the Dubai Films and Games Commission in late 2024. The DFTC reviews and approves all visual media productions — film, television, commercials and branded content — across the emirate, and applications are made through its portal at filmdubai.gov.ae.

A critical point for international crews: the DFTC does not issue filming permits directly to overseas companies. You must apply through a UAE-licensed production company registered with the Commission, which is precisely the role NEEDaFIXER fulfils as your local production partner. We submit, track and obtain every permit and approval on your behalf.

The step-by-step process to obtain permission to film in Dubai is:

• Script and content approval: scripted projects must have the script approved before a permit is issued. We submit your script, treatment or shoot brief for review.
• Prepare the required documents: passport copies for all cast and crew, a commissioning or assignment letter, a shoot brief or storyboard, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner for any private location.
• Submit the permit application: lodged through the DFTC portal by your UAE-licensed production company, with shoot dates, locations and crew details.
• Approval and collection: non-scripted shoots are typically approved in 2–3 working days; scripted films and series can take up to around 25 working days because of the additional script-clearance stage. We build these lead times into your schedule.

Filming Permits by Location: Public vs Private

Not every Dubai location is covered by a single permit. Some public areas are straightforward; landmark and private sites require additional location permits, special permissions or a private-property NOC. As your fixer we identify exactly which approvals each spot needs before you arrive.

• Dubai Marina and most public streets and beaches: a standard DFTC filming permit, with extra notice for road closures or large crews.
• Downtown Dubai and the area around the Burj Khalifa: special permits and coordination with the venue owner (Emaar) are required — these are private, managed locations, not free public space.
• Palm Jumeirah: a mix of public roads and private resorts; resort and beach-club shoots need a private-location NOC in addition to the city permit.
• The Arabian Desert and protected reserves: desert conservation areas require their own permits and, often, an authorised escort.

For any private location — hotels, malls, residential towers or licensed venues — we secure the owner’s NOC and fold it into the DFTC permit application so the whole permission package clears together.

Drone Filming Permits in Dubai

Aerial work carries an extra layer of regulation. Drone operations are governed nationally by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), while Dubai adds a Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) No Objection Certificate for commercial flights. A drone clearance does not replace your filming permit — you need both. No-fly zones include the areas around airports, heliports, government and military sites, and other critical infrastructure, with a standard 120 m (400 ft) altitude ceiling and daylight, line-of-sight operation. We coordinate the GCAA and DCAA approvals alongside your DFTC permit so aerial sequences stay fully compliant.

Filming Permits in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi runs a separate permitting system. The Abu Dhabi Film Commission, part of the emirate’s Creative Media Authority (CMA), oversees filming, with the media free zone twofour54 and its Tawasol service supporting productions through the application. A Ground Filming Permit is required across the Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra regions, and scripted work first needs Media Regulatory Office script approval from the Ministry of Culture. Our crews handle Abu Dhabi permits end-to-end so a multi-emirate shoot moves seamlessly between jurisdictions.

Frequently Asked Questions