Free Guide · Updated 2026
Dubai Filming Permit Guide
Every authority, every permit type, and every timeline for commercial video production in Dubai and the UAE. The complete guide from J-Cut Production's permit team.
The rule in Dubai: Every commercial video shoot in a public space requires at least one permit. Drone shoots typically require two to four. Productions that proceed without correct documentation risk equipment confiscation, production shutdown, fines, and footage that cannot be legally published. J-Cut Production handles the full permit chain on every shoot as standard.
The authorities and what they cover
Dubai and the UAE operate a multi-authority permit system. Most complex productions require approvals from more than one body.
GCAA
General Civil Aviation Authority
All commercial drone operations across the UAE
Drone operator licence, aircraft registration, flight approval per shoot location. Required for any commercial aerial footage regardless of drone size.
Lead time: 5–10 business daysApplies to: Every commercial drone shoot anywhere in the UAE
ITC
Integrated Transport Centre (Dubai)
Dubai emirate airspace and road filming
Specific Dubai drone approvals, road filming NOCs for Sheikh Zayed Road and other arterials, filming-in-traffic permits.
Lead time: 5–7 business daysApplies to: Any shoot on Dubai public roads or in Dubai-controlled airspace
DTCM
Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing
Commercial filming in Dubai's public and tourism zones
Commercial filming permit for any production in a public space, tourist area, or government-owned environment in Dubai. Required for beach filming, public parks, the Creek, Dubai Frame area.
Lead time: 3–7 business daysApplies to: All commercial shoots in Dubai's public spaces
DMO
Dubai Media Office
Media production involving government entities or officials
Required when productions feature Dubai government officials, government buildings, or government-linked content. Also required for some broadcast and documentary productions.
Lead time: 7–14 business daysApplies to: Productions involving Dubai government entities or officials
ADAC
Abu Dhabi Airports Company
Abu Dhabi emirate airspace
All commercial drone operations within Abu Dhabi emirate, including Al Ain and Al Dhafra. Separate from GCAA. Both may be required.
Lead time: 7–14 business daysApplies to: Any aerial production in Abu Dhabi emirate
MOD
Ministry of Defence
Restricted and military zones
Required for filming near any military base, defence installation, or restricted government zone. Applies in areas near Jebel Ali, certain Abu Dhabi locations, and other sensitive sites.
Lead time: 2–4 weeks (case by case)Applies to: Productions near any military or sensitive government installation
Permit requirements by location
Quick reference for the most common Dubai and UAE shoot locations.
Beach zones require DTCM. Drone permits via ITC and GCAA.
Downtown Dubai / Burj Khalifa
Emaar NOC required for on-ground filming near Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Drone permits required from both GCAA and ITC.
DIFC is a separate jurisdiction. Direct NOC from DIFC Authority required for any commercial filming.
Desert locations require municipality approval. GCAA for drone.
Nakheel NOC required for ground shooting. Drone approvals from GCAA and ITC.
Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC) issues filming permits. ADAC for aerial.
Saudi Film CommissionGCAA (KSA equivalent)
Saudi Film Commission manages all commercial production permits in KSA. Lead time 2–3 weeks.
Each ministry handles its own access. Always approach DMO first for government-adjacent productions.
J-Cut Production handles all of this for you
Every J-Cut production includes full permit management as standard. We build permit timelines into the brief, handle every application, and provide on-site compliance documentation. No surprises.
