“Dubai is open for business and safe”, says local outfit Central Films

Karen Coetzee and Ian Ross of Dubai-based production service outfit Central Films explain to KFTV why Dubai is the ideal shooting location in these tough Covid times….

Easy to enter

“Dubai is now fully open for shooting and is the central hub for the UAE. We are in the 10 lowest places in the world for virus numbers, and you can get filming permits from the Dubai Film and TV Commission.

“Coming to Dubai is quite simple, and safe. People need to have a COVID-19 PCR in their home country that is valid for 96 hours from the time of test to arriving into Dubai. No quarantine is required.”

The easing in travel restrictions at Dubai international airport has resulted in more than 20,000 passengers travelling through the airport every day. There are fifteen counters to complete the visitor procedures to make the process smoother and quicker.

Immigration officers at Dubai International Airport

• Upon entering Dubai, you may need to take another Covid-19 PCR test
• If you take a test at the airport, you must remain in your hotel or residence until you receive the test result. If the test result is positive, you will be required to undergo isolation and follow the Dubai Health Authority guidelines. Results normally are out the same day.
• All travellers to Dubai, including passengers with a connecting flight, must complete this health declaration form and quarantine undertaking form

Information above supplied by another leading local production outfit, The Talkies

Filming requirements

“The local market is picking up and international shoots are also starting.  We are in prep for a car job that’s shooting at the end of August with a UK director and Danish DoP. Plus, we have heard of an American film shooting at the end of the year.

“On the shooting set, care has been taken with reduced numbers of crew who all must wear masks and maintain social distancing. A COVID-19 medic must be on set to take temperatures regularly and ensure that surfaces are sanitised.”

There are no limitations on crew numbers, filming hours or age groups.

Location appeal

Dubai is drawing international productions with its futuristic buildings and luxury hotel complexes, such as the palatial Atlantis - The Palm...

“Producers use Dubai to shoot commercials (and features) for fabulous roads and bridges with ultra-modern city backdrops. But there are also deserts and sand dunes less than an hour outside the city.”

One of the most stunning locations just outside Dubai is Hatta, which offers massive desert mountains, with turquoise waters calmly resting between them at Hatta Dam...

Leaving Dubai

• All passengers travelling from Dubai to UK or Europe (and other mandated destinations) will be required to take a COVID-19 PCR test no more than 96 hours before departure and present the test result certificate at check-in.
• Before you travel, please check the requirements of the country you are travelling to. You may need to take a printed COVID-19 PCR test before you depart.

Information above supplied by The Talkies