Introduction
Hoodlum provides local film fixer services in the United Arab Emirates, offering full-scale support to international production teams. With extensive local knowledge and hands-on expertise, our dedicated fixers manage every aspect of your shoot—from securing film permits and visas to location scouting, crew coordination, equipment rental, customs clearance, transportation, accommodation, still photography, and post-production services.
The UAE’s diverse landscapes, from futuristic skylines and high-energy urban centers to vast desert dunes and stunning coastlines, offer the perfect backdrop for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography.
Planning a shoot in the United Arab Emirates? Let Hoodlum and our expert local fixers handle all the logistics—securing permits, managing visas, arranging equipment rentals, booking flights and accommodation, coordinating local transport, and overseeing post-production—so you can focus on bringing your vision to life.
Country Overview
As a world-class filming destination, the United Arab Emirates provides excellent infrastructure and a streamlined permitting process, making it an efficient and accessible choice for international productions. With the right approach, we can have everything set up and ready for your shoot in just a few weeks.
At Hoodlum Film Fixers, we recognize the United Arab Emirates unparalleled potential as the perfect backdrop for your next project. With over two decades of industry experience, our expert producers will guide you through every stage of production, ensuring an efficient shoot. Get in touch to learn more about locations, budgets, crews, and equipment available for your project in the UAE.
Bordering Countries:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is located in the south-eastern region of the Arabian Peninsula, sharing land borders with Saudi Arabia to the south and west and Oman to the southeast. It is also situated near the Persian Gulf, with close maritime proximity to Qatar, Bahrain, and Iran. The UAE’s strategic location makes it a key hub for trade, travel, and international film production in the region.
Main Cities:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers several key cities and locations perfect for filming, each with its own unique character:
- Dubai – Hosting skylines and iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, luxury hotels, and vibrant urban life, offering endless possibilities for modern and high-energy shoots.
- Abu Dhabi – The capital city, featuring cultural landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and desert landscapes ideal for diverse productions.
- Sharjah – Famous for its historical sites, traditional souks, and museums.
- Al Ain – A city with lush greenery, ancient forts, and desert surroundings.
- Fujairah – Known for its beautiful coastal landscapes, mountain backdrops, and stunning beaches, offering serene and scenic locations.
- Ras Al Khaimah – A mix of rugged mountains, desert landscapes, and beachfront resorts.
Local Languages:
Arabic: The official language of the UAE, widely spoken by locals and used in government, education, and media.
English: Widely spoken and understood, especially in business, tourism, and international communication.
Urdu: Spoken by a large number of expatriates from Pakistan, Urdu is commonly used in social and commercial contexts.
Malayalam: A popular language among the expatriate community from the Indian state of Kerala, widely spoken in households and business.
Hindi: Another widely spoken language, especially among the Indian community, used in everyday conversation, media, and commerce.
Local Currency:
Emirati Dirham
Best time to film:
The United Arab Emirates has a hot, arid climate with two main seasons: winter and summer. While rainfall has increased in recent years, the best time to film in the UAE, weather-wise, is from December to March, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable. April, May, September, and October also offer pleasant weather, making them suitable for filming as well.
Visa Requirements
General Requirements
- Apply through the airline website.
- For Emirates, use the “Manage your booking” tool (you will need your flight ticket and booking reference).
- Complete the online form.
- Scan and upload all required documents.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Receive your visa entirely online via email (no need for passport courier).
Required Information/Documentation for Application
- A colour copy of your passport (valid for at least six months)
- A copy of your Emirates flight ticket
- The completed visa application form
Processing Time
3 days
Cost
- 90-Day Visa: AED 1000 ($350)
- 30-Day Visa: AED 2250 ($615)
Visa Application Link
Emirates Visa Information
International crew accreditation
General Accreditation Requirements
Accreditation is generally not required in Dubai. However, accreditation is required for longform projects in Abu Dhabi.
Required Information/Documentation for Application
- A copy of your passport and passport photo
- Equipment list with serial numbers for all gear to be brought in
- Visa application form, security form, and a scanned photograph with a white background
Cost
- Dubai: Normal visa for 30 days is AED 1000 ($350), and for 90 days AED 2250 ($615)
- Abu Dhabi: For longform projects, to open a file with immigration AED 5500 ($1500), which includes 5 visas. After that, a normal visa for 30 days is AED 1000 ($350).
General Film Permit
What Organisation Issues the Permits?
- Dubai: DFTC (Dubai Film & Television Commission), RTA (Road Transport Authority for car shoots), Dubai Municipality (for public beaches, parks, and deserts), Coast Guard (for sea/ocean shoots), Dubai Canal
- Abu Dhabi: NMC (Abu Dhabi Film Commission – National Media Council)
- Sharjah: National Media Council
Timings
- Dubai: 3 – 5 working days
- Abu Dhabi: Varies by project. Corporate, social, and TVC shoots take around 6 to 10 working days
- Ras Al Khaimah or Sharjah: 3 to 5 working days
Required Information/Documentation for Application
- Storyboard
- Script
- No-Objection Letter from the client addressed to the Film Commission
- No-Objection Letter from the client to PH
Cost
- Dubai: AED 3040, Admin processing fees AED 1500 ($1500)
- RTA: AED 2500
- Municipality: AED 2500
- Coast Guard: AED 2500
- Abu Dhabi: AED 500 per shoot day, admin processing fees AED 1500 ($550)
- Sharjah: AED 2500, admin processing fees AED 1500 ($1100)
Who Issues the Permit?
The organisation from which the permit was requested – the Government Film Permit Body.
Private Locations
General Process
Private locations are owned by individuals or organizations, and we will contact the owners on your behalf to negotiate rates and terms for your shoot in the United Arab Emirates.
Cost
The cost will depend on the specific job requirements and will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Drone Permitting
Drone Regulations
Only local drone suppliers are allowed to operate in the United Arab Emirates.
Drone Importation Regulations
The drone pilot will need to travel to Dubai 2-3 weeks in advance to register and gain approval with DCAA (Dubai Civil Aviation Authority) and MOD (Ministry of Defense).
What Organisation Issues the Permits?
General Civil Aviation Authority
Required Information/Documentation for Application of Local Drone
To obtain the Unmanned Aircraft Operator Authorization (UAO), all organizations/operators must submit the following documents:
- Security Clearance issued by GCAA
- UA operator registration letter
- Evidence of subscription to GCAA E-Publications Service
- Payment of the applicable fee
Timings
- Dubai: 10 working days
- Abu Dhabi: 3 weeks
Equipment Customs Clearance
Is it a Carnet country?
Yes
General Process for Carnet Country
Carnet
Required Information/Documentation for Equipment Customs Clearance
Equipment list with serial numbers and values
What Organisation Issues the Clearance?
Dubai Chambers of Commerce and Industry
Timings
10 working days
Cost
Customs letter: AED 5000 ($1500)
Safety and Security
General In-Country Overview
The UAE is considered very safe.
Type of Security Required
Security and police are typically only required for adrenaline sports filming to control the area.
