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 mesmerizing backdrops. From luxurious hotels, ultramodern skyscrapers, deserts 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.
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.
- Dubai Miracle Garden
Want to shoot a romantic wedding scene? There cannot be anything 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.
Best Time to Shoot: November
Location Ideal For: Engagement, Pre-wedding Shoot, Songs, Ads, Print Ads
In 2022, Dubai’s film industry saw a 20% increase in production, highlighting its growth. Start your next film project in Dubai with us.
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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 mesmerizing 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 organizations, exhibits and festivals, and some of the most charming cafes.
Best Time to Shoot: November to March
Location Ideal For: When you want to feature the old-world Arabian charm in your video.
- 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.
Best Time to Shoot: November to March
Location Ideal For: When you want to feature the old-world Arabian charm in your video.
- Expansive Desert
You cannot visit Dubai without visiting its desert. The expansive sand dunes have become everyone’s favorite 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, a desert safari that’s unique to this desert.
Best Time to Shoot: November to March
Location Ideal For: When you want to capture an action sequence in the desert or a clear view of the sky.
In 2022, Dubai hosted over 3,000 filming permits, reflecting its growing appeal as a global film production hub. Join Dubai’s Thriving Film Scene today!
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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.
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 colors, beach life, or summertime.
- Madinat Jumeriah
An excellent setting for filming, Madinat Jumeriah 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.
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- Textile Souq
Located in the historic Bur Dubai neighborhood, 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 colorful 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
- Deira Corniche
Located on the western end of Deira, Deira Corniche is a waterfront promenade in Dubai that starts from the gulf and goes up to Dubai creek. The clean, palm tree-lined streets and the backdrop of modern hotels present a perfect opportunity to capture modern-day Dubai.
Best Time to Shoot: any time of the year, November to March is best though
Location Ideal For: modern-day Dubai family, walking or running scene for any show or ad.
- Address Downtown
A 63 story, 991 ft supertall hotel, and residential skyscraper, The Address Downtown Dubai is a perfect spot that gives some mesmerizingly beautiful views of the surrounding. Among other structures, the top floors of this building give you the best views of the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa, and also the incredible Dubai Fountain show. You can also use drones to film some of the best sequences for your movie or photo shoot.
Best Time to Shoot: any time of the year
Location Ideal For: Futuristic shots, city shots, skyscrapers
So, there you have the names of some of the best spots to shoot in Dubai. But, that’s not all there are a lot more hidden spots and vantage points that we know of as one of the best video production houses in Dubai. If you are looking for more places like these to film, please get in touch with us, our team at Studio52 will be happy to help you.
