Filming In Abu Dhabi
permits
CONTENT APPROVAL
Creative Media Authority content approval is needed as part of the application for ground, aerial, and marine filming permits to film in Abu Dhabi.
To submit for content approval:
UAE Media Council is responsible for feature film script approval, to apply CLICK HERE
For any further enquiries, please contact the Creative Media Authority:
PHONE: +971 2 412 1111
EMAIL: customersupport@cma.gov.ae
GROUND FILMING PERMIT
Once Creative Media Authority content approval has been granted, the next step is to apply for a Ground Filming Permit from the Creative Media Authority to film in public areas.
The filming permission will be granted for the specific public location(s) listed in your application.
Filming permission for private locations is achieved by agreeing terms with the respective location owner and signing a location agreement for each private location.
To submit for ground filming permit:
For any further enquiries, please contact the Creative Media Authority:
PHONE: +971 2 412 1111
EMAIL: customersupport@cma.gov.ae
Explore public and privately managed sites across Abu Dhabi via the Location Library at film.gov.ae. For tailored support identifying the best locations for your project, please contact locations@film.gov.ae
AERIAL FILMING PERMIT
If you plan to capture aerial footage for TV, cinema, or digital content, you must first obtain a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Creative Media Authority. Additional approvals may also be required from relevant authorities and site owners, as applicable.
Abu Dhabi Film Commission recommends hiring an Abu Dhabi–registered drone company for any aerial filming. You can find registered companies in the Industry Directory.
Apply for the aerial filming NOC:
For more information please contact Creative Media Authority at:
PHONE: +971 2 412 1111
EMAIL: customersupport@cma.gov.ae
MARINE FILMING PERMIT
A marine filming permit allows production companies to conduct filming activities in ocean or coastal environments.
You require a marine permit for filming purposes for content in television, cinema and digital.
To apply for an marine filming permit,
For any further enquiries, please contact the Creative Media Authority:
PHONE: +971 2 412 1111
EMAIL: customersupport@cma.gov.ae
MEDIA EQUIPMENT ENTRY PERMIT
Visiting media teams bringing cameras and film equipment into Abu Dhabi on a temporary basis must obtain a Media Equipment Entry Permit.To apply for media equipment entry permit,
For any further enquiries, please contact the Creative Media Authority:
PHONE: +971 2 412 1111
EMAIL: customersupport@cma.gov.ae