More than five decades ago Dubai was nothing more than a vast expanse of rolling desert planes interrupted only by a handful of low-rise buildings. But, today it is a melting pot of cultures and grand architecture that have transformed the city into one of the most photogenic places on the planet.
Dubai is home to some of the most brilliant photography and videography spots with mesmerising backdrops. From luxurious hotels, ultramodern skyscrapers, desserts to rugged mountains, the city has it all. Whether you want to film indoor or outdoor, the city has numerous locations that are perfect for all sorts of productions.
Dubai has some of the most brilliant photography and videography spots with mesmerising backdrops. The city has everything from luxurious hotels to ultramodern skyscrapers, deserts, and rugged mountains. The best part is that these locations are easily accessible with minimum commute time. Whether you want to film indoors or outdoors, this city has something for every genre and format of your project.
To shoot in these private and public locations all you need is a permit issued by The Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) and an association with any UAE-licensed product company. This is where Studio52 comes in to get you the right paperwork and get things done on time so you can start filming as soon as you land in Dubai. A video production company like us would also help you find the perfect places to film according to your script, get the right cast and provide the latest video equipment or drones you may need for your shoot.
Below are some of the best filming locations in Dubai that you can shoot at with our excellent camera crew in Dubai.
Every country has its rules and regulations, as does the UAE. So make sure before you plan to shoot your film here, you have thoroughly gone through its filming regulations regarding the film permit.
To shoot in Dubai, you need a permit issued by The Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) and an association with any UAE-licensed production company. If you need assistance getting a production licence, our team at UAEFilmPermit can help you.
We will also help you find the right locations for your video shoot, find the right cast, and provide the latest video equipment.
Here’s the list of the top 10 places to film for your next film in Dubai.
Dubai Miracle Garden
Want to shoot a romantic wedding scene? Nothing can be more romantic than millions of colorful flowers blooming in heart-shaped archways in the Dubai Miracle Garden. That’s not all as the world’s largest natural flower garden; it has a lot more to offer, like butterfly passages, fairy-tale castles, and gazebos – all bursting with colors and flowers.
If you are searching for a location to shoot a romantic scene, Dubai Miracle Garden is the perfect place. It is one of the most romantic places in Dubai, with millions of colourful flowers in heart-shaped archways. That's not all; the location offers butterfly passages, fairy-tale castles, and pavilions bursting with colours and flowers. This location has endless creative possibilities for filmmakers and their multiple filming formats and genres.
Best time to shoot: December to February
Ideal for: Engagement, Pre-wedding Shoots, Songs, Ads, and Print Ads.
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Al Bastakiya
Looking to add a little old-world Arabian charm in your video? Head over with your camera crew to the mesmerising Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. It’s a restored heritage district with traditional Arabic wind towers in earthy tones, wooden latticework, and colorful murals along the winding alleyways. Also known as Al Bastakiya, the area is home to cultural and artistic organisations, exhibits and festivals, and some of the most charming cafes.
If you’re looking to capture the essence of an old-world Arabian charm, Al Bastakiya is the ideal location for you. It is a restored heritage district with traditional Arabic wind towers in earthy tones, wooden latticework, and colourful murals along the winding alleyways.
Al Bastakiya's traditional architecture offers unique filming opportunities. The location adds the richness of Emirati culture to the scenes. While the location is the best choice for cinematic video production, it is also a brilliant backdrop for cultural fashion shoots, commercials, documentaries, and more.
Best time to shoot: November to March
Ideal for: Architectural shoots, Artistic Photography, Historical & Travel Documentaries, Wedding & Engagement Shoots, and Cultural Fashion Shoots.
Palm Jumeirah Bridge
Found under the bridge going inside the Palm, there’s a beautiful hidden spot from where you get the perfect view of the Marina skyline. Not many people know of this area but if you ask us or any UAE-based photographer, they would be quick to tell you that this is one of the best places to use the scenery as a foreground in your video or photo shoot.
Palm Jumeirah Bridge has a beautiful hidden spot under the bridge where you get the perfect view of the Marina skyline. This spot is very underrated but offers ideal scenery as a foreground in your video or photo shoot. The location is highly versatile for shooting a diverse range of film projects.
Best Time to Shoot: November to March
Ideal for: Landscape Photography. Architectural Shoots, Sunset/Sunrise Shoots, and Commercial Shoots.
Expansive Desert
You cannot visit Dubai without visiting its desert. The expansive sand dunes have become everyone’s favourite filming location in Dubai. You can capture drifting hot air balloons over the landscape with ease at sunrise or try one yourself for a unique vantage point. Or you could capture the desert at night when it becomes reddish and more beautiful with the lovely uninterrupted views of the vast open sky. And don’t forget to capture the adventure sports such as dune bashing, sandboarding, quad bike ride, and a desert safari that’s unique to this desert.
Dubai is known for its expansive desert landscapes. Over the years, its expansive dunes have become filmmakers’ top pick in Dubai. Dubai’s vast and open deserts offer a dramatic backdrop for film scenes, while its diversity from dunes to ridges promises a visually stunning setting for your specific project requirements.
So if you’re working on a project that needs a versatile location shoot, you should consider the deserts of Dubai. From adventure to drama to historical epics, you can capture the essence of every genre here.
The desert landscape is also perfect for commercial shoots, pre-wedding photography, action sequences, and more. Fossil Rock, Al Madam, and a desert in Al Maha resort are the most beautiful deserts for any shoot.
Best time to shoot: October to April
Ideal for: Commercial Photography, Film & Video production, Cultural & Travel Photography, and Fashion Photography.
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Best Time to Shoot: November to March
Ideal For: When you want to capture an action sequence in the desert or a clear view of the sky.
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Dubai Frame
Opened in 2018, Dubai Frame is the latest addition to Dubai’s iconic structures. Located in Zabeel Park, the frame provides sweeping panoramic views of the city. Dubai Frame has been created with a unique concept that resembles a picture frame and if you look at the North of this frame you can enjoy fabulous views of the Old Dubai while looking at the South of the frame would give you a magnanimous view of the modern city of Dubai.
Dubai Frame is one of the most iconic structures in Dubai, and UAE, at large. Located in Zabeel Park, the frame provides sweeping panoramic city views. It resembles the structure of a picture frame.
The frame reflects the city’s blend of modern skylines and old Emirati heritage. On the North of this frame, you will see fabulous views of Old Dubai, while on the South of the frame, you will find a magnanimous view of the modern city of Dubai.
Best time to shoot: November to March
Ideal for: Tourism Promotion, Architectural Photography, Portrait Photography, Cityscape Photography & Videography.
Do you know the Adidas campaign featuring Zidane and Nouf was shot at this location? Know more about shooting in UAE with our expertly curated location & filming guides here.
Best Time to Shoot: November to March
Location Ideal For: When you want to capture immersive futuristic sequences, sci-fi movies, and surreal concepts.
Kite Beach
Open stretches of the soft white sand, boardwalk, and a stunning view of the Burj Al Arab this beach attraction has a lot to offer. You can not only relax here but also capture some of the most vibrant scenes for your film or photography project from Kite Beach.
Best Time to Shoot: Late October to Early March
Location Ideal For: When you want to capture vibrant colours, beach life, or summertime.
Burj Khalifa
According to several globally acclaimed production houses, Burj Khalifa is the best spot for aerial photography. Particularly, the observation decks at 124th and 148th floors have excellent vantage points for stunning aerial photography. It is an ideal location to capture the core of the city. However, it is necessary to get permission and dates for the shoot, as this spot is a famous landmark and is usually very busy.
Best time to shoot: November to March
Ideal for: Sunrise/Sunset Photography, Cityscape Photography, Event Coverage, and Architectural Photography.
Madinat Jumeirah
An excellent setting for filming, Madinat Jumeirah is one of Dubai’s most luxurious resorts. Built-in a style that resembles an old Arabian town with traditional-style architecture dotted with palm trees and water canals, the resort is often called Venice in Dubai. It can even pass for an Arabic colony and offers fabulous backdrops of The Dubai Marina and JBR skyline.
Best Time to Shoot: any time of the year
Location Ideal For: Indoor shoots, local Arabic vibe, pre-wedding shoot, product photoshoot, serene and romantic script.
Dubai’s iconic landmarks, like the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah, offer ideal settings for your video projects. Choose Studio 52 for your next shoot.
Dubai Marina Yacht Club
The scenic waterfront at Dubai Marina Yacht Club is an ideal location if luxury is the USP of your project. We highly recommend this location for shooting some classy scenes at their waterfront villas, modern architecture, and luxury yachts.
The cinematic shots of the location effectively capture high-end lifestyles and beautiful beaches. Dubai Marina Yacht Club is one of the best locations for music videos, films, commercials, and everything that involves video production.
Best time to shoot: November to April.
Ideal for: Yachting & Boating Photography/Videography, Waterfront Lifestyle Photography, Movies & Music Videos, and Fashion Photography.
Textile Souk
Located in the historic Bur Dubai neighbourhood, it is definitely the place to be for some of the most amazing shots. There’s an endless amount of stalls selling the finest fabrics, silks, and patterns from around the world. All this makes it one of the most colourful places to shoot in Dubai.
Best Time to Shoot: any time of the year, November to March is best though
Location Ideal For: market scenes, busy bustling market atmosphere
Conclusion
As you explore the top filming locations in Dubai, remember that bringing your creative vision to life requires more than just a stunning backdrop.
At Film Permit UAE, we understand the importance of seamless production processes, from securing permits to assembling a skilled crew and obtaining access to a diverse and talented crew— we provide it all in one place. We also help you source the latest filming equipment in Dubai at competitive pricing and comprehensive technical support. Our camera crew in Dubai lets you focus on the creative aspects of your film while they handle legal technicalities.
At FilmPermit, we equip you with the right tools & crew to bring the best shots to your project. Need expert assistance for your next big project? Contact Us Today.
FAQs
Is it legal to film in Dubai?
Yes, if you have a film permit from the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC), it is legal to film in Dubai.
Are you allowed to film in Dubai Mall?
Yes, you can film in Dubai Mall. However, you require a location permit to shoot in Dubai Mall. You also need a film permit from the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC).
How much is a film permit in Dubai?
According to the DFTC regulations, the application fee may vary, depending on your project and choice of location. Contact us to get a free quote today!
How do I get permission to film in Dubai?
Reach out to DFTC directly for your application or collaborate with a UAE-based permit provider for a seamless application process, if you are an international entity looking to film in Dubai.
