A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Qatar
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Qatar: What You Need to Know
The first item of business you need to address if you want to film in Qatar is ensuring you have the right film permissions. Every filmmaker or video production company needs a general filming permit which can be applied for through the Hayya Media Portal. Even then, certain locations such as museums and cultural sites, particularly those in the capital city Doha, typically require further permits, which also come with additional fees. The general and subsequent authorisations involve a lot of paperwork, and after that, they can take up to four weeks to come through. It’s best to partner with an experienced local film fixer to ensure you fill out all the forms correctly.
Be aware also that police and military bases, border areas, private properties and most government institutions are completely off limits when it comes to filming, unless you have clear-cut authorisation to film there.
Additionally, if you’re hoping to capture some local scenes for b-roll, a news item or documentary footage, you need to know that filming or photographing people in Qatar without their consent is 100% illegal.
Timing Your Qatar Film Production around the Weather
Qatar is a desert country so there are times during the year when you can expect extreme heat and occasional standstorms. It’s also a peninsula, which means that it boasts coastline along both sides. This is good for outdoor shoots between November and April when temperatures are more manageable, but in the summer season of May to October can become very humid here, making it feel even hotter than it actually is.
No matter the time of year, because the desert climate can be a little unpredictable at times, always make sure your film equipment is well protected, especially against sand and heat risks, and that your crew are well hydrated throughout. Remember too that Qatar is a predominanlty Muslim state, so no matter how hot it gets, you still have to dress modestly.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
The most technologically up-to-date film equipment is easy to source in Qatar but it’s not always the cheapest. Compared to US and European rental prices, hiring a full camera kit along with lights and sound gear may cost more than you’d expect. For that reason, it’s good to do the maths first and work out whether it’d be more economically beneficial to bring your own equipment with you.
The most technologically up-to-date film equipment is easy to source in Qatar but it’s not always the cheapest. Compared to US and European rental prices, hiring a full camera kit along with lights and sound gear may cost more than you’d expect. For that reason, it’s good to do the maths first and work out whether it’d be more economically beneficial to bring your own equipment with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
Yes, it is.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Yes, it is exceptionally safe.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
No, you only need a tourist visa.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
While you can simply get your tourist visa on arrival in the country, to organize other administrative aspects of your Qatar film production, you will need to work with a local production fixer.
Do I need a permit for drones?
You’ll need to highlight that a drone will be used when applying foryour film permits. It can be tricky to obtain a permit for a foreign drone operator, so it’s always better to engage a local licensed operator instead.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
No.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
Filming in a national park, as with any location in Qatar, is possible if you obtain explicit authorisation from the relevant government department.
Working with Fixer Qatar
We are recognised as one of the leading professional production support companies in Qatar. Our association with global video and media production company, Storytailors, helps our reputation but so does our long list of international projects. We’ve proudly serviced content for world-renowned brands including Al Jazeera, Al Arabiya News Channel, Kabrita, Google, UNESCO, Friesland Campina, and more.
If you would like to know more about our projects or would like to discuss how we can work together, feel free to drop us an email.