Filming and Drone Permits in Qatar: A Practical Guide for Entities and Companies

Mada Creative Agency · 26 October 2026

Before filming a corporate film, an advertisement or event coverage in Qatar, a practical question comes up: do we need a permit, and where do we get it? The answer depends on the type and location of filming: ground, sea or aerial, in a public place or at a site run by a specific entity. This guide from Mada Creative Agency brings together what entities and companies need to know about filming and drone permits in Qatar, based on what official bodies publish.

Key takeaway: A TV and film shooting licence is requested online from the Ministry of Culture through the Hukoomi portal, and companies need a valid artistic production licence. Drone filming is governed by Law No. 10 of 2026 and overseen by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. Some sites have their own filming requests. Start early, and check current requirements before every project.

The Ministry of Culture filming licence

The Ministry of Culture offers an e-service to request a TV and film shooting licence, listed on the Hukoomi portal with no fees. Applications can be made by Qatari individuals, and by companies, institutions, hotels or government entities through an authorised signatory, provided the organisation holds a valid artistic production licence.

Main attachments: a copy of the applicant's ID, the valid artistic production licence, a letter addressed to the Director of the Publications and Artistic Works Department, and the company's commercial registration. A letter assigning the production company may also be requested.

For ground and sea filming: filming dates, location approval and crew IDs or passports. A declaration of equipment is required in some cases, Ministry of Transport approval if live broadcast devices are used, and shipping documents if equipment comes from outside Qatar.

For aerial filming: filming dates, location approval, maps of the filming locations and flight area, crew IDs and, for drones, the pilot's ID and licence and photos of the aircraft and camera.

Drone filming in Qatar

Law No. 10 of 2026 on the Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft gives the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority responsibility for regulating drone operations. This includes defining permitted aircraft types and specifications, issuing and renewing operating licences and permits, and setting permitted zones and altitudes. The competent authorities also announce where and when drones may be flown.

Owning or renting a drone is therefore not enough. It must be operated by a licensed pilot with a permit for the specific location and time, alongside the Ministry of Culture filming licence when filming for production purposes.

Sites with their own filming requests

Some sites in Qatar are run by entities with their own filming procedures, including Katara, sites overseen by Qatar Museums, Qatar National Library and Qatar Foundation facilities. Filming requests for several of these sites appear on Hukoomi or on the entities' own websites. In government buildings and private facilities, you need approval from the owner or operator of the site.

Before filming: a quick checklist

1. Define the type of filming: ground, sea or aerial.

2. Confirm the production company holds a valid artistic production licence.

3. Collect location approvals before applying.

4. Prepare crew details, equipment and filming dates.

5. If a drone is involved, confirm a licensed pilot and an operating permit for the location and time.

6. Get consent from the people who will appear on camera.

7. Leave enough time between applications and the shoot, and do not confirm the date before approvals are issued.

Frequently asked questions

Do we need a permit to film a corporate video at our own premises?

Filming at your premises first needs your entity's own approval. Whether a Ministry of Culture filming licence is also required depends on the nature of the shoot and current requirements, so check with your production company before the date.

Can non-Qatari individuals apply for a filming licence themselves?

According to the service description on Hukoomi, individual applications are open to Qatari nationals, while company applications require a valid artistic production licence. Production shoots are therefore usually filed through a licensed production company.

Who obtains the permits: the entity or the production company?

That is agreed between them. It is best stated clearly in the scope of work, including who is responsible for location approvals.

Does Mada Creative Agency handle filming arrangements?

The agency plans the shoot with the entity, including locations, schedule and prerequisites. See our video production service in Qatar.

Note

This article is based on information published by official bodies up to October 2026, and requirements may change. Always check Hukoomi and the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority website before each project.

Summary

Permits are part of the production schedule, not a last step before it. Define the type and locations of filming early, and collect approvals before confirming the date. To discuss your next shoot, contact Mada Creative Agency.

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About Mada Creative Agency

Mada Creative Agency (Arabic: وكالة مدى الإبداعية) is a Qatari creative company specializing in integrated media solutions and creative production. Founded in 2017 and based in Lusail, it serves government entities and leading institutions in Doha and across Qatar in four areas: integrated media solutions, corporate communications, identity and design, and production and direction, in Arabic and English. Website: maada.qa · Email: info@maada.qa · Phone: +974 5523 3252. Key facts about the agency