Permits & regulation - Permits
Filming permits in Saudi Arabia
Which authority approves what, the documentation you will be asked for, realistic lead times and the approvals that catch productions out.
- Author
- UNLMTD Global - Production Intelligence
- Published
- Last updated
- Reading time
- 6 min
Key facts
- Primary permit
- Saudi Film Commission filming permit
- Additional approvals
- AlUla Royal Commission, NEOM, heritage and government sites
- Drone
- Licensed operator, registered aircraft, per-location airspace clearance
Who approves filming
The Saudi Film Commission issues the national filming permit. Depending on location, you may also need approval from a regional authority, a heritage body, an airport operator or a government department.
What you will need to submit
Applications are documentation-heavy and accuracy matters more than speed.
- Script, treatment or shot description
- Full crew list with passport details and roles
- Equipment manifest including drones and vehicles
- Shooting schedule with specific locations and dates
- Local production company sponsorship
Where productions lose time
The common failures are late applications, schedule changes after approval, undeclared drone use and assuming a heritage site is covered by the national permit. Each of these can cost days rather than hours.
Frequently asked questions
- Does one permit cover every location in Saudi Arabia?
- No. The national permit covers approved locations and dates listed in the application. Heritage sites, Royal Commission areas and restricted sites need their own approvals.