A commercial drone shoot in Dubai needs approval from the Dubai Film and TV Commission, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Defence, plus extra approvals depending on where you fly. Allow 14 to 16 working days from the moment your paperwork is complete. Here is how the process runs, and what slows it down.
Who has to approve a drone shoot in Dubai
- Dubai Film and TV Commission
- The filming permit for the production. Applications go through its online portal.
- Dubai Civil Aviation Authority
- Airspace and aviation safety for the flight.
- Ministry of Defence
- Security clearance for aerial filming.
- Dubai Municipality
- Needed when you film on beaches, in parks or in the desert.
- Ministry of Culture
- Needed for museums and cultural sites.
- Location owner
- A written NOC for any private property. Some owners charge a location fee, others waive it.
The drone operator must also hold a GCAA UAS Operator Certificate with every aircraft registered. For Abu Dhabi and the other emirates, see our full guide to drone permits in the UAE.
The process, step by step
- Check the locationWe confirm which airspace zone the site falls in and which authorities need to sign off.
- Collect the documentsA Letter of Intent from the production and the location owner's NOC. The clock starts here.
- ApplyWe submit the application online with the drone specifications, pilot details, filming purpose and exact locations.
- ReviewThe DFTC, the DCAA, the Ministry of Defence and any other authority review it in parallel.
- Permit issuedThe approval covers the specific dates and locations you applied for.
How long it takes
- Dubai
- 14–16 days
- Abu Dhabi
- 18–20 days
Working days, counted from when we receive the Letter of Intent and the location owner's NOC. Government projects and major events can sometimes be expedited, decided case by case, but it is never guaranteed. Plan on the full timeline.
Restricted zones and NOTAMs
Much of Dubai sits inside controlled airspace around its airports and sensitive sites, including many of the landmarks productions want to film. A flight in a restricted zone needs an additional approval, and a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) is issued so that other airspace users know the drone will be there.
What delays a permit
- Late documents. Nothing moves until the Letter of Intent and the location owner's NOC are in.
- A missing owner approval. Every private site where the drone takes off, lands or flies over needs its own NOC.
- Changes after approval. The permit covers specific dates and locations, so moving either usually means a new approval.
Common questions
- How long does a drone filming permit take in Dubai?
- Typically 14 to 16 working days, counted from when the Letter of Intent and the location owner's NOC are in. Government projects and major events can sometimes be expedited, decided case by case.
- Can ChopperShoot apply for the permit for us?
- Yes. We handle the whole process: the application, the flight plan, the risk assessment and the follow-up with each authority. You provide the Letter of Intent and the location owner's NOC.
- What if the location is in a restricted zone?
- Many Dubai locations sit inside restricted airspace. Flights there need an additional approval, and a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) is issued to alert other airspace users.
