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United Arab Emirates

The UAE is strict: photographing or publishing images of people without consent is a criminal offence, and government and military sites are off-limits.

By Joel Kelly Verified Jun 28, 2026 2 sources
Permit: conditionalPanorama: Not the operative constraint

Shoot decision

Depends on setup

The UAE is notably strict. Commercial shoots need a permit. Photographing government buildings, military sites, ports, and some airports is prohibited without authorization.

Permit

Conditional

Issuer: Dubai Film and TV Commission (DCAA) in Dubai and the relevant media office in Abu Dhabi for commercial shoots; government, military, and security sites are restricted

Cost: Personal handheld photography of scenery is tolerated; commercial and professional shoots require a permit, and unauthorized shooting at sensitive sites draws heavy fines

The UAE is notably strict. Commercial shoots need a permit. Photographing government buildings, military sites, ports, and some airports is prohibited without authorization.

Drone / airspace

Regulated by the GCAA federally and DCAA in Dubai; all drones must be registered and recreational flying is limited to approved zones

For the category detail, see Drone Authority.

Street / public space

No by default for people: photographing or publishing images of people without their explicit consent is a privacy violation, even in public

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021, taking or sharing photos of others without consent can carry jail time and large fines. Photographing women, children, and families without consent is treated especially seriously.

Freedom of panorama

Not the operative constraint

The binding risks are the consent and privacy law and outright bans on government, military, and security-sensitive subjects, not architectural copyright. Iconic skyline shots for personal use are generally fine; clear people-consent and permits before any commercial use.

Practical notes

  • Do not photograph people, especially Emirati women and families, without explicit consent; posting such an image can be a criminal offence.
  • Never photograph government buildings, palaces, military or police sites, ports, or near airports without a permit.

Guidance, not legal advice

Rules change and enforcement varies. Confirm with the issuing authority before you shoot. Drone law depth lives at Drone Authority.

Drone Authority

Check the flight side

Photography access and drone permission are separate questions. Drone Authority covers the flight-law side for this country.

Field kit

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Sources

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