Filming at Dubai World Trade Centre

Allow time for police approval

The most important published detail comes from Arabian Travel Market's exhibitor manual. It says time-lapse work, photo shoots and video shoots at DWTC need formal approval from Dubai Police, and that you should allow at least eight working days. The application needs a passport copy, a visa copy, the purpose and description of the shoot, date and time, and location. Exhibitors are directed to the show's operations team, who supply the approval form.

Treat that as your starting assumption for planning, and ask your own show's operations team to confirm its process. The lead time is a good reason to confirm crew identities well in advance, since the paperwork refers to named individuals. A local crew may also simplify visa documents.

Camera safety rules

DWTC's health and safety rules, in the June 2024 edition published by a show held there, include a short section on broadcast and media equipment. Cameras must be operated safely and not used in a way that could harm people underneath. Boom-mounted equipment needs enough space to work without obstructing gangways and fire routes. Cameras suspended from trusses need at least one clamp and a safety wire.

Drone approvals

DWTC's Health and Safety team allows drones subject to its review and approval from regulators such as the GCAA, DCAA and Ministry of Defence. The organiser submits the requirements, security then gives its approval, and the traffic department prepares a no-objection certificate so that the DCAA can issue a permit. The stated deadline is 10 days before event days, so in practice start much sooner.

• DCAA drone registration and an operator licence or competency certificate.
• A risk assessment and scope of activities.
• Drone specifications, including weight, size, battery and height limit.
• An emergency plan, duration of operation and insurance coverage.
• A daily schedule, location and contact details of whoever is flying.

What to wear and bring

DWTC says it enforces personal protective equipment at all venues without exception, and contractors must make sure their workforce is properly equipped for the task. Shoes must be hard capped; sneakers, sandals and everyday shoes are no longer allowed during contractor activity. Look at the PPE table for your activity, and have boots and any further items ready if you are filming during build-up.

Ladders get special attention too. Domestic ladders are not permitted inside DWTC, and home-made, painted or damaged ladders are also ruled out. A crew wanting a high angle should bring a proper industrial ladder or arrange access through the stand contractor.

Power and handling

Electrical installations on stands must follow Dubai Municipality guidance and DEWA rules, and DWTC's events team monitors compliance. Your show's exhibitor manual gives the route for ordering stand power. Arabian Travel Market's organisers supply no labour for handling goods, pointing exhibitors to the official lifting contractor, their forwarding agent or their stand fitter. Aisles must also be clear of boxes, crates and ladders by a set time before opening, so finish any wide shots of the build by then.

Shows and booking a crew

DWTC's calendar includes GITEX Global, Gulfood Manufacturing, Big 5 Global, Middle East Energy, WETEX, Arabian Travel Market and World Police Summit. Rules can differ between these organisers, so obtain the current site rules with your exhibitor manual.

Fame Crew can source a vetted local videographer or photographer in Dubai. Tell us your shoot dates as early as possible, along with who is handling the police application, so the crew's passport and visa details can be ready when needed.