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29 March 2024

Dubai reduces fees for making films in the emirate

Tom Cruise performs a stunt at Burj Khalifa during the shooting of 'Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol' in Dubai.

Published
By Wam

Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) has announced that the processing time for filming permits in the emirate has been reduced to a minimum of three working days, effective from 14th September, 2015.

Bollywood movie 'Happy New Year' premieres in Dubai. (Supplied)

It said the step is aimed towards easing the filming process in Dubai, and further enhances the city’s position as a production destination.

The DFTC announced the details during its ‘Industry Insider Session’ for business partners, filmmakers and producers.

In pictures: Tom Cruise during 'Ghost Protocol' shooting in Dubai

Tom Cruise dangles out of a window of the Burj Khalifa while Jeremy Renner attempts what looks like a rescue as filming continues for 'Mission Impossible -- Ghost Protocol' on Wednesday, November 3 (Patrick Castillo)

The networking event is held by DFTC to provide an opportunity for the production community to discuss industry related issues, voice concerns, and open more business opportunities within the media production industry.

DFTC has introduced a number of initiatives so far this year to enhance the filming process in Dubai.

Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha shoots for 'Dabangg' in Dubai. (Supplied)

This has included a reduced fee structure for filming in government and semi-government locations, to allow filmmakers and producers to enjoy more filming days for their fees, as well as a reduction in processing fees.

DFTC also launched an online automated permitting system last year, and introduced the second edition of the production guide, which offers a complete printed directory of film and production resources in Dubai.

Actor Akshay Kumar with Asin shooting for the last song of their latest film ‘Khiladi 786’. (Twitter)

Jamal Al Sharif, chairman of Dubai Film and TV Commission and managing director of Dubai Studio City, said: "We are always looking at ways we can enhance the filming process in Dubai, and ensure it is as efficient and cost-effective as possible."

"The growth in the emirate’s film industry this year has been outstanding, with major Hollywood and Bollywood productions taking place in Dubai such as Star Trek, and with our new reduced permit time it will make it more easy and efficient to film in Dubai, which in turn will encourage even more productions to the emirate over the coming years."

"DFTC are making real steps towards promoting Dubai as a filming hub and attracting more productions to the emirate," Al Sharif added.