Navigating the permit process

Sharjah is one of the UAE’s strongest cultural and landscape emirates for filming. It can give a production old-town streets, museums, traditional markets, modern waterfronts, desert archaeology, mountain roads, beaches and mangroves without losing the UAE production infrastructure around it. The important part is planning the permit route before cameras roll. Public spaces, museums, art locations, roads, beaches, mangroves, private properties and any aerial work can all require different approvals. International crews should normally work through a UAE-based production partner who can coordinate the permit information, location access, crew, equipment, insurance and local logistics.Sharjah is one of the UAE’s strongest cultural and landscape emirates for filming. It can give a production old-town streets, museums, traditional markets, modern waterfronts, desert archaeology, mountain roads, beaches and mangroves without losing the UAE production infrastructure around it. The important part is planning the permit route before cameras roll. Public spaces, museums, art locations, roads, eaches, mangroves, private properties and any aerial work can all require different approvals. International crews should normally work through a UAE-based production partner who can coordinate the permit information, location access, crew, equipment, insurance and local logistics.ctical route is temporary admission through Customs, not an ATA Carnet.

Dubai Customs guidance confirms that some goods accompanying passengers can be processed under a Temporary Admission Customs Bill with a refundable deposit. In practice for professional filming equipment, crews should budget for 5% refundable customs deposit plus 5% refundable VAT deposit, meaning 10% of the declared equipment value, plus any applicable administration or after-hours fees.

Use this guide as a planning checklist, then confirm the current handling details with Dubai Customs, your customs broker, your UAE production partner, and the relevant film permitting authority before the equipment travels.

For most film crews bringing professional cameras, lenses, lighting, grip, audio, monitors, drones, wireless equipment, or other production kit into Dubai, the practical route is temporary admission through Customs, not an ATA Carnet.

Dubai Customs guidance confirms that some goods accompanying passengers can be processed under a Temporary Admission Customs Bill with a refundable deposit. In practice for professional filming equipment, crews should budget for 5% refundable customs deposit plus 5% refundable VAT deposit, meaning 10% of the declared equipment value, plus any applicable administration or after-hours fees.

Use this guide as a planning checklist, then confirm the current handling details with Dubai Customs, your customs broker, your UAE production partner, and the relevant film permitting authority before the equipment travels.

ATA Carnet Guide for Dubai Film Crews

Important update: based on official guidance received after our inquiry, the UAE currently accepts incoming ATA Carnets only for goods under category B1, meaning items intended for exhibitions and similar events.

Filming equipment is therefore not generally accepted for entry into the UAE on an ATA Carnet unless the equipment is intended for, or invited to participate in, a particular known event and the required prior permit has been obtained from the concerned authority.

For most film crews bringing cameras, lenses, lighting, grip, audio, monitors, drones, wireless equipment, or other production kit into Dubai, the practical customs route is temporary admission, not an ATA Carnet. See our temporary import guide for professional filming equipment in Dubai: How to import Professional Camera Equipment to Dubai Guide

For film crews, the carnet should be treated as a limited option, not the default customs route. Before shipping or travelling with production equipment, confirm the correct process with the relevant chamber, UAE Customs, your UAE production partner, and the relevant permitting authority.

The world of film production is fraught with complexities, and nowhere is this more apparent than in securing the necessary permits for specialized filming scenarios. Whether you're planning to capture aerial footage with drones over Dubai's iconic skyline, orchestrate a multi-camera reality show in Abu Dhabi's bustling airports, or scout locations for a feature film across the Emirates, the regulatory landscape can be overwhelming. This is where FilmingPortalUAE.com emerges as your indispensable partner, bringing unparalleled expertise to navigate these intricate challenges.

r/filmingpermituae is a Reddit community for filmmakers seeking permits in the UAE. It offers insights into legal requirements, documentation, and filming locations.

The glittering spires of Dubai pierce through a golden haze as Tom Cruise sprints across the face of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. This heart-stopping sequence from "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" catapulted Dubai into the global spotlight as a premier filming destination. Today, the city stands as a testament to architectural ambition and futuristic vision, making it an irresistible draw for filmmakers seeking to capture both ultra-modern glamour and timeless desert beauty 

Dubai has become one of the world's most sought-after filming locations, offering a stunning blend of ultramodern architecture, pristine desert landscapes, and luxurious venues. However, filming in Dubai requires careful planning and adherence to local regulations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about filming in the City of Gold. 

Filming in Fujairah, one of the United Arab Emirates' most picturesque emirates, offers unique opportunities to capture stunning landscapes, from rugged mountains to pristine beaches. Whether you're planning a commercial shoot, documentary, or personal project, understanding the local requirements and conditions is essential for success. 

Filming in Ras Al-Khaimah: A Comprehensive Guide

Ras Al-Khaimah (RAK), the northernmost emirate of the UAE, offers filmmakers a diverse range of stunning locations, from pristine beaches and dramatic mountains to ancient historical sites and modern cityscapes. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the filming process in this unique destination.

First and foremost, all filming activities in Abu Dhabi require official permits from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) and need a local production partner. International companies can submit here. The commission offers a streamlined permit process, and applications should be submitted at least 5-10 working days before the planned shoot. 

How to film in Dubai? Here is the ultimate guide to hopefully ease you navigating through the Permit Process.

In order to conduct audio and visual media productions on government and/or private locations, it is necessary to obtain filming permits. Which can obtain through our Filming Portal UAE.