UAE
UAE has no shortage of wonders that leave visitors in complete awe. Once a remote city, UAE is now a spectacular city of glitz and glamour. It is now a city that boasts unmatchable hotels, remarkable architecture and world-class entertainment and sporting events. With sunshine all year round, and exotic locations, UAE is one of the best places to base your production
Unlike most of the countries, where a permit for filming is an easy task, filming in UAE could be extremely tough as the rules are very strict here. You need a production company like Tirumala Productions UAE to get the permissions. In general terms, the permit process can be completed in a quick turn around time which doesn’t take more than a couple of weeks. Tirumala Productions can help you in making you aware of filming restrictions and local laws as well as offering interior and exterior locations. The United Arab Emirates government has been encouraging for filming in the city and has set up Dubai Studio City to encourage the filmmakers.
Tirumala Productions has a strong pool of crew in the Dubai film industry and we can arrange camera operators, sound technicians, producers, runners, or any other crew members according to your production needs. We help you in finding the local talent and cast that suit your requirements, offering you anything from headshots to a full casting including live auditions and showreels so you can make casting decisions before you reach the country.
We are associated with multiple kit houses in Dubai – ARRI, RED, Sony and Canon cameras. Most grip and lighting kit is easily accessible in Dubai too. We help you with the drones and qualified pilots when you are filming in the desert areas.
Dubai is also into film production in the Arabic language that are spread across the Middle East. With movies like Star Trek Beyond, to Syriana filmed here, Dubail has been an increasingly popular shooting location for foreign crews. Dubail has also become the background for many popular TV shows, from Doctor Who to 24. Dubai can be used as a stand-in for Middle Eastern countries where the filming could be a difficult task due to the political situation.
Dubai is a home for several indoor and outdoor filming locations that are best suited for all sorts of productions. From the ultra-modern, luxurious surroundings of the beachfront hotels, to rooftops, huge skyscrapers, there are a plethora of exotic locations that look makes your film a visual spectacle.
The Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) gives permission for private and public locations, and Tirumala Productions DUBAI not only helps you with all the required documentation but also assist you in finding the suitable locations for your film and getting cast and crew prepared.
Hatta Heritage Village – It is a reconstruction of a traditional mountain village located in Hatta, in the Al Hajar Mountains, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). It has been exclusively designed to resemble a traditional Emirati village, making it ideal for historic productions.
Textile Souq – The Dubai’s Textile Souq is filled with traditional features such as wooden arches and red tiled floors. With a plenty of colorful stalls, and a busy, bustling atmosphere, Textile Souq is an ideal location to shoot the market scenes.
Deira Corniche – Set on the waterfront, with clean, palm tree-lined streets and the backdrop of modern hotels, no other place other than Deira Corniche is an ideal location to shoot the look of modern-day Dubai.
The filming crew can come across a few challenges in Dubai. The Dubai’s weather in summer could be literally hot and unbearable at times. If you walk out of the air-conditioning, you may not cope up with hot and humid climate.
The filming can become much difficult during the festive seasons like Ramadan. We help you in advising the best locations for the shooting and also help you avoid the worst weather conditions which can disrupt your shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions ?
How easy is it to get permits?
A local production house like Tirumala Production House should take the responsibility to get the permit for filming in Dubai.
In simple terms, you are required to provide and have already in place the below information and documents, in order for us to start on the application process:
1) Script (including script title and author)
2) All media of distribution
3) Film locations (public and private) including their addresses
4) Daily itinerary
5) Passport copies of all the crew traveling to the UAE and their roles
6) For private locations: Letters from the owners allowing you to film
7) Letter of No Objection, authorizing us to apply for the permits on your behalf
Tirumala Productions will help you with the needed guidance and support required for the process.
It’s easy to obtain permits if you’re shooting a commercial, and it can take up to two weeks. Please bear in mind that nudity is not tolerated in Dubai. For any additional information regarding filming locations, please feel free to contact us.
Do I need a visa or work permit?
If you wish to shoot any commercial or a feature film in Dubai, the crew must have valid work permit visas.
Can I hire equipment once there?
You can get the required equipment upon reaching Dubai with Arri and Panavision which are the main providers. If you wish to opt for a specific specialist equipment, which isn’t available in Dubai, you can import from abroad, and it will take around a week’s time.
What is the climate like?
There’s only one word and it’s horribly hot. As Dubai is situated in the middle of the desert, you can expect soaring temperatures. But at nights, the temperatures can drop drastically, so be sure to wrap up warm. As filming in Ramadan can be tricky, we advise to avoid filming during that time.