A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Saudi Arabia
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Saudi Arabia: What You Need to Know
Anyone planning to film in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) can do so easily by following a few important steps. Whether you are filming in a public or private space, you will first need to obtain official film permits from the Saudi Film Commission.
As part of the process, you must demonstrate that your script upholds local values and that you have secured appropriate visas, a professional crew, and all necessary customs clearances.
Additionally, filming with drones will require a separate permit from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). To get this, you will need to provide a flight plan and pilot details. Securing a permit to fly a drone usually takes two to four weeks. To ensure it’s not rejected, it’s crucial that you fill out the applications properly, including all the relevant information. For this we highly recommend partnering with an experienced local fixer like Fixer Saudi Arabia.
Secondly, you will need explicit authorization to film in restricted areas such as government buildings, palaces, and military zones. The KSA is a conservative, Muslim country and if you are allowed to film at a religious site, it’s imperative that you show the utmost respect.
Timing Your Arabian Film Production around the Weather
The best time to shoot your Saudi Arabia video production is spring, which runs from March to April, or autumn, which takes in the months of October and November.
During these periods, temperatures are mild and conditions are ideal for outdoor work. Winter (December–February) is also a good option, particularly in the northern regions like AlUla and Tabuk, where the climate tends to be cooler, but you’ll still have at least 10 hours of daylight.
We do not recommend organizing a summer shoot. Summer in KSA lasts from May until September, and weather conditions can be particularly trying for film crews, especially those working on an outdoor shoot in the desert or along the coast. It gets extremely hot and dry, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
We don’t recommend you bring your own film kit. Doing so will require customs clearance, which can be costly and time-consuming. In addition, it’s usually less expensive and much easier to rent high-end equipment locally.
We have strong contacts with many local film equipment suppliers, so we can handle that for you. We can also hire an experienced English-speaking film crew on your behalf. There is a solid pool of skilled actors, extras, and crew members, but putting together a dependable team will take local know-how.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
No, it is not.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Yes, Saudi Arabia has a low crime rate, and visitors to the country are generally safe. It is a conservative country, however, and respecting local laws and customs, particularly in relation to dress, is necessary.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
You can obtain a visa upon arrival in the country if your film project is taking place in a private location and you are not importing any film equipment. If your production will take place outdoors and you are bringing in specialised equipment, a visa is a must to ensure permits and customs clearance.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
Yes, you do. This can be handled from our local connection in the territory.
Do I need a permit for drones?
Yes, and it should be the end client who applies for it. However, be aware that it can take up to two months for the permit application to be processed, and sometimes it is rejected. If you’re planning on filming with a drone in the desert, the permit tends to be more easily obtainable.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
The KSA offers up to 40% cash rebate on productions that spend at least $200k (feature film) or $50k (documentary/animation). To qualify, you must be registered/licensed in KSA or partnered via a co‑production with a Saudi‑registered company, and your production must run within Saudi Arabian territory for at least five days.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
Once you have the general filming permit, you can then apply for specific permits to film within parks and other special areas. You will be charged a fee, which can be by the hour depending on the location.
Working with Saudi Fixer
You will want a local production team that has experience in international filmmaking, and that’s exactly what you get with us. Over the years, we’ve worked with many global brands, filmmakers, media organisations, production companies, and celebrities. Recently, we managed local production, sound engineering, equipment hire, and transportation needs on Prime TV’s Married to the Game: Inside Riyad Mahrez & Taylor Ward’s new house in Saudi Arabia.
We also worked with Kabrita Baby Formula, overseeing creative execution and handling local production details such as booking crew and cast, and securing locations, equipment, and permits. Another recent project was the BBC News production, Big Zuu Goes to Mecca, for which we helped secure permits and handled local production and transport.