Aerial filming in the UAE: a guide for international productions
International productions filming from the air in the UAE need three things in place before the crew flies in: the approvals, the right aircraft for each shot, and a licensed local operator to fly them. This guide covers all three, and what to send us so the clock can start.
1. Start with the permits
Every commercial drone or helicopter shoot in the UAE needs approvals before anyone takes off. In Dubai that means the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, the Dubai Film and TV Commission, the Ministry of Defence and, for many locations, Dubai Municipality. Abu Dhabi has its own process through the GCAA, the Ministry of Defence and Abu Dhabi Police.
- Dubai
- 14–16 days
- Abu Dhabi
- 18–20 days
Both are working days. The clock starts when we receive your Letter of Intent and the location owner's NOC. Government projects and major events can sometimes be expedited, decided case by case. For the full list of approvals, see our guide to drone filming permits in the UAE.
2. Match the aircraft to the shot
Most productions use more than one aircraft. A quick guide:
- DJI Inspire 3
- The main camera drone for TV, film and commercials. Up to 8K, quick to set up.
- Heavy-lift Alta X
- Carries full cinema cameras and lenses when the drone footage has to match the main unit.
- Cine FPV
- Fast, close tracking shots for car commercials and action, with a RED KOMODO or Blackmagic 6K.
- 249 g FPV
- Indoors, in built-up areas and close to people, with the right risk assessment and approvals.
- Helicopter
- Long lenses, altitude, speed and large areas, with a gyro-stabilised Shotover system.
See the full drone fleet and our helicopter filming services.
3. Plan the crew
For cinema work we fly with two people: a pilot who looks after the aircraft and safety, and a camera operator who frames the shot. It is the setup most directors and DOPs expect, and it lets the operator take direction while the pilot keeps the flight safe.
4. Plan around the light and the air
Dust and haze are common in the UAE, and they soften long shots. Early morning and late afternoon usually give the clearest air and the best light. For helicopter shoots, if poor weather or low visibility stops the flight, we reschedule at no extra cost.
5. What to send us
- A Letter of Intent from the production or client, describing the project.
- The location owner's NOC for every site where we take off, land or fly over private property.
- Your dates, locations and shot list or storyboard, so we can plan the flights and the risk assessment.
An example: a London production in the Liwa desert
NM Productions London and director Brett Danton flew in to shoot a Chevrolet Corvette commercial in the dunes of Liwa, Abu Dhabi. Our drone crew flew the aerial unit, so the production could focus on the car and the light.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray ZR1, Liwa. Directed by Brett Danton, produced by NM Productions London.
For larger operations, read how we filmed Armin van Buuren on the Burj Khalifa with eleven drone teams and a camera helicopter.
Common questions
- How long do drone filming permits take in Dubai?
- Typically 14 to 16 working days in Dubai and 18 to 20 in Abu Dhabi and the other emirates, counted from when we receive your Letter of Intent and the location owner's NOC. Government projects and major events can sometimes be expedited.
- Should we use a drone or a helicopter?
- Drones suit most shots below a few hundred feet, close work and interiors. A helicopter with a Shotover system suits long lenses, high altitude, speed and very large areas. Many productions use both.
- What do you need from us to start?
- A Letter of Intent from the production, the location owner's NOC for each site, and your dates, locations and shot list.
Start a brief
Bringing a production to the UAE? Send us the dates, the locations and the shots
We reply with the aircraft and crew you need, the permit timeline and a quote.
