J-Cut Production

Free Guide · Last checked October 2026

Dubai Filming Permit Guide

Which authority issues which permit, what each location needs, and how long it really takes, for commercial video production in Dubai and the UAE. Written by J-Cut Production from the permits our producers file on every shoot.

The rule in Dubai: Every commercial video shoot in Dubai, indoors or out, 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 production 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.

DFGC

Dubai Films and Games Commission (formerly Dubai Film and TV Commission)

Every commercial filming permit in Dubai

The main permit for any commercial shoot in Dubai, applied for through the commission's portal at filmdubai.gov.ae. The Dubai Film and TV Commission became the Dubai Films and Games Commission under the Dubai Media Council in December 2024. The commission coordinates with location owners and other authorities, and scripted productions may need script approval first.

Lead time: about a week for a standard shoot, in our experienceApplies to: Every commercial shoot in Dubai, indoors or out
GCAA

General Civil Aviation Authority

Drone operations anywhere in the UAE

Federal drone rules: aircraft registration, operator authorisation and pilot licensing. Every commercial drone shoot needs a GCAA-compliant operator and pilot. In 2026 the GCAA suspended drone authorisations from 28 February; GCAA and DCAA allowed flying to resume from 30 June, and we are flying again.

Lead time: five or six days to two weeks for a Dubai drone shoot, all approvals included, in our experienceApplies to: Every commercial drone shoot in the UAE
DCAA

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority

Dubai airspace

A Dubai airspace approval is needed on top of the GCAA requirements and the filming permit before a drone can fly in Dubai.

Lead time: included in the GCAA lead time aboveApplies to: Every drone shoot in Dubai
RTA

Roads and Transport Authority, with Dubai Police

Filming on or beside public roads

Road holds, lane closures and traffic management need the RTA, and Dubai Police support with patrols and barricades. These are arranged alongside the filming permit, not instead of it.

Lead time: depends on the road and the closure; plan it into the permitApplies to: Any shoot that affects traffic on a Dubai road
NOC

Location owner's no-objection certificate

Private, managed and protected locations

The entity that manages a location must approve the shoot before the filming permit is released. Examples: Dubai Municipality for protected areas such as Al Qudra and Al Marmoom, DIFC Investments for DIFC, Dubai Culture for its heritage sites, Dubai Airports for airport filming, and the master developer or building owner for communities, malls and towers.

Lead time: set by each owner; Dubai Culture states 2 working days, Dubai Airports about 3 working days landside and 15 working days' notice airsideApplies to: Any location that is not fully public
ADFC

Abu Dhabi Film Commission (Creative Media Authority)

Filming in Abu Dhabi emirate

Abu Dhabi filming permits go through the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, overseen by the Creative Media Authority. Aerial filming needs a media NOC and a GCAA aerial permit, and a Ministry of Defence representative attends all aerial filming.

Lead time: up to 15 working days for a ground permit and up to 15 working days for an aerial NOC, per the commissionApplies to: Every commercial shoot in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra
SITE

Restricted, government and defence sites

Military, strategic and other restricted locations

Restricted sites cannot be filmed without approval from the authority responsible for them, and aerial work near them may need defence clearance, which is arranged through the permit authority. Government buildings need the filming permit plus written approval from the entity that manages the site.

Lead time: case by case; allow the longest lead time on the shootApplies to: Any shoot near a military, strategic or government site

Permit requirements by location

Quick reference for the most common Dubai and UAE shoot locations.

Location

Authorities Required

Notes

Dubai Marina / JBR

DFGCNOCGCAADCAA

Filming permit from the DFGC, plus the land owner's approval for beaches and managed areas. A drone adds GCAA and DCAA.

Downtown Dubai / Burj Khalifa

DFGCNOCGCAADCAA

The master developer's approval is needed for on-ground filming in the district. Drone work needs GCAA and DCAA on top.

DIFC

DFGCNOC

DIFC Investments gives consent for photo and video shoots in DIFC, alongside the filming permit.

Dubai Desert / Al Qudra

DFGCNOCGCAADCAA

Al Qudra and Al Marmoom are protected areas. Media companies need a Dubai Municipality NOC through its portal.

Palm Jumeirah

DFGCNOCGCAADCAA

The master developer's approval for ground filming. Drone approvals from GCAA and DCAA.

Dubai roads

DFGCRTA

Any road hold or lane closure needs the RTA and Dubai Police support, arranged with the filming permit.

Abu Dhabi

ADFCGCAA

Permits through the Abu Dhabi Film Commission. Aerial filming needs a media NOC, a GCAA aerial permit and a Ministry of Defence representative on site.

Saudi Arabia (incl. NEOM, AlUla)

Film CommissionGACA

Film licensing moved to the Saudi Film Commission in 2024; drones need a GACA permit. Timelines vary by permit type.

Government buildings

DFGCSITE

The filming permit plus written approval from the entity that manages the building.

Sources

Lead times marked "in our experience" come from J-Cut Production's own shoots. Everything else is from the official and published sources below, checked in October 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the permit authority before you book.

Planning the shoot

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.

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