United Arab Emirates
Location: Middle East
Currencies
Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED)
Q. Are there any requirements, when sending AED?
A. Just your details, the beneficiary details and the purpose of the payment, which should include the purpose of a payment code (consisting of three characters).
Q. Can I send inbound and outbound payments?
A. Yes, there are no restrictions on sending money into or outside of the United Arab Emirates.
Q. How much can I send?
A. As much as you want.
Q. How long will it take for my funds to be received?
A. Standard international payment times. Please note the working days in Emirati are from Sunday to Thursday.
Q. Who can I send AED to?
A. Both individuals and businesses can receive funds.
Q. Is sending AED expensive?
A. Not if you use the right currency broker, who will be able to offer you bank-beating exchange rates and significantly lower payment charges.
Q. Can you use forward contracts with AED?
A. Yes. With the right currency broker, you can book an AED exchange rate forward, protecting you against any adverse currency movements. With these contracts, you will always know exactly what is coming out of your bank account.
Information courtesy of Currencies Direct
Visas & Permits
Visas and Permits
Crews travelling on most Western passports can enter the United Arab Emirates visa-free or obtain visas on arrival.
There is no need for work permits.
Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. Alternatively, there are specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry who may be able to assist.
Film Location Permits
The United Arab Emirates is film friendly, so permits are generally a very quick and easy process.
Visiting productions must apply for permits through a local production company, which takes responsibility for the production.
Privately owned locations, such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, require additional permits.
Unauthorised filming of sensitive government locations, as well as oil and gas facilities, is illegal.
Projects that involve nudity or promotion of alcoholic drinks are also prohibited.
Drone filming is possible.
Customs
For productions looking to bring in film equipment, the United Arab Emirates is an ATA carnet country.
When to Film
When to Film
Most of the United Arab Emirates has a desert climate, characterised by extreme heat during the day and an abrupt drop in temperature at night.
Summers from June to August are humid and have very high temperatures. Thunderstorms and dust storms can strike suddenly and impact visibility. October to March has milder conditions and is the best time to shoot.
The United Arab Emirates is a predominately Muslim country. Ramadan is widely observed with many services closed during this period.
Public Holidays
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in the United Arab Emirates.
Costs & VAT
The United Arab Emirates is one of the more expensive countries in the Middle East.
Standard shoot day costs are comparable with South Africa.
The standard VAT rate in the United Arab Emirates at the time of writing is set at 5%.
Funding & Tax Incentives
Funding
Incentives
Entertainment Partners' Production Incentives Map: Information for United Arab Emirates.
Treaty Documents