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.
Guidance, not legal advice
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.
Sources
Keep shooting
Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side: