How long does a drone filming permit take in Dubai?

Usually 14 to 16 working days, counted from when we receive your Letter of Intent and the location owner's NOC. Start at least four weeks before the shoot, and earlier for restricted or high-profile locations.

How long does a drone filming permit take in Abu Dhabi?

Usually 18 to 20 working days. Abu Dhabi and the other emirates outside Dubai follow the GCAA process, which needs Ministry of Defence and Abu Dhabi Police approvals.

Can you get a drone permit at short notice?

In special cases, yes. Permits involve several authorities, so we always advise applying early. For government-related projects or major events we can ask the authorities to expedite the application. This is decided case by case and is not guaranteed.

Can you film near restricted areas or military zones?

Yes, with specialist clearance. These flights go through additional Ministry of Defence review and may need a NOTAM to alert other airspace users. We prepare and submit these applications.

Do I need permission to fly a drone over private property?

Yes. Any flight that takes off from or passes over private land needs a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner or developer, such as Emaar or Nakheel. We help you request it.

Is night drone filming allowed in the UAE?

Yes, if the DCAA and GCAA approve a risk assessment for the night flight before the shoot. We prepare that assessment as part of the application.

Can you get permits for a crew that brings its own drones?

Yes. Our filming permit service prepares and submits the approvals for productions flying with their own licensed crew.

Do you handle drone permits in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Our Riyadh team manages aviation and location approvals for shoots across the Kingdom.

Drone filming permits in Dubai and the UAE

We secure the GCAA, DCAA, DFTC and Ministry of Defence approvals for drone and helicopter shoots across the UAE. This guide covers who approves what, how long it takes and what we need from you.

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Dubai: 14–16 working days
Abu Dhabi and other emirates: 18–20 working days

Dubai

DCAA · DFTC

Approvals for drone filming in Dubai

Commercial drone filming in Dubai needs approval from several bodies, depending on your flight path and location. We manage all of them as one application.

GCAA operator certificate: The operator must hold a UAS Operator Certificate (UOC) and register each aircraft with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority. ChopperShoot holds these for its own crews and fleet.
DCAA No Objection Certificate: Flights in Dubai airspace need a separate NOC from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.
DFTC filming permit: The production needs a filming permit from the Dubai Film and TV Commission.
Ministry of Defence clearance: The project also needs security clearance from the Ministry of Defence.
Dubai Municipality approval: Flights over public parks, beaches and desert areas also need approval from Dubai Municipality.

Abu Dhabi

GCAA · ADAC

Approvals in Abu Dhabi and the other emirates

Outside Dubai, drone filming is regulated mainly by the GCAA. We prepare the request letters, risk assessments and flight plans.

GCAA operator certificate: The same UAS Operator Certificate and aircraft registration as in Dubai.
Ministry of Defence permit: A Ministry of Defence permit for the flight.
Abu Dhabi Police NOC: A No Objection Certificate from Abu Dhabi Police.
ADAC NOC, near airports: Flights near restricted zones may also need an NOC from Abu Dhabi Airports Company.

From you

To start the clock

What we need from you

Letter of Intent from the production or client, describing the project.
Location owner's NOC for every site where we take off, land or fly over private property.
Dates, locations and the shots you need, so we can plan the flight and the risk assessment.

Questions

Permits FAQ

Drone permit questions we get asked most

How long does a drone filming permit take in Dubai?: Usually 14 to 16 working days, counted from when we receive your Letter of Intent and the location owner's NOC. Start at least four weeks before the shoot, and earlier for restricted or high-profile locations.
How long does a drone filming permit take in Abu Dhabi?: Usually 18 to 20 working days. Abu Dhabi and the other emirates outside Dubai follow the GCAA process, which needs Ministry of Defence and Abu Dhabi Police approvals.
Can you get a drone permit at short notice?: In special cases, yes. Permits involve several authorities, so we always advise applying early. For government-related projects or major events we can ask the authorities to expedite the application. This is decided case by case and is not guaranteed.
Can you film near restricted areas or military zones?: Yes, with specialist clearance. These flights go through additional Ministry of Defence review and may need a NOTAM to alert other airspace users. We prepare and submit these applications.
Do I need permission to fly a drone over private property?: Yes. Any flight that takes off from or passes over private land needs a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner or developer, such as Emaar or Nakheel. We help you request it.
Is night drone filming allowed in the UAE?: Yes, if the DCAA and GCAA approve a risk assessment for the night flight before the shoot. We prepare that assessment as part of the application.
Can you get permits for a crew that brings its own drones?: Yes. Our filming permit service prepares and submits the approvals for productions flying with their own licensed crew.
Do you handle drone permits in Saudi Arabia?: Yes. Our Riyadh team manages aviation and location approvals for shoots across the Kingdom.

Complete guide to drone filming permits → Permits-only service →

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