By Asad Mulla, CEO, Hala Media · Last updated: 29 October 2026
Quick answer: In 2026, video production in Dubai costs about AED 700–3,500 per social reel, AED 6,000–30,000 for a 1–3 minute corporate film and AED 35,000–150,000+ for a TV commercial. Freelancers charge least and full-service agencies most. The right choice depends on how many deliverables you need and whether the video must also generate leads.
Key facts (2026)
- Solo videographers typically quote AED 2,000–7,000 per project; agencies usually start around AED 15,000.
- Editing alone runs AED 1,000–5,000 per finished minute.
- A Dubai Film and TV Commission permit application costs AED 520; filming without location permission can be fined AED 15,000.
- Length does not set the price. Crew size, shoot days and post-production do.
Dubai video production prices at a glance (2026)
Published 2026 price guides from Dubai producers put most brand projects between AED 6,000 and AED 30,000. Here is what each common video type costs.
| Video type | Typical 2026 Dubai price (AED) | What moves it up |
|---|---|---|
| Social reel / TikTok / Short (per video) | 700 – 3,500 | Lighting, colour grade, motion graphics, talent |
| Product video | 800 – 1,500 (packshot) · 5,000 – 12,000 (hero film) | Lifestyle scenes, models, studio hire |
| Property walkthrough (single listing) | 2,500 – 5,500 | Drone, twilight shoot, agent presenter |
| Real estate / architectural film | 8,000 – 25,000, up to 50,000 – 80,000 for multi-unit luxury projects | Multiple units, drone, CGI, cinematic post |
| Event coverage (per day) | 2,500 – 10,000 | Multi-camera, same-day highlight edit |
| Corporate film (1–3 min) | 6,000 – 30,000 | Interviews, scripting, multiple locations |
| Cinematic brand film | 25,000 – 100,000+ | Director, cinema cameras, actors, sets |
| TV commercial | 35,000 – 150,000+ | Casting, production design, broadcast delivery |
The 4 types of video production companies in Dubai, compared
Dubai has hundreds of providers, from one-person crews to TVC houses. They fall into four groups, and each prices differently.
| Provider type | Typical team | 2026 price band (AED) | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freelance videographer | 1 person, sometimes an editor | 2,000 – 7,000 per project | Single interviews, listings, small events | No backup on shoot day; permits often left to you |
| Boutique production studio | 3–10 people | Roughly 2–3× freelancer rates | Corporate films, product shoots | Production only; no distribution or ads |
| Full-service video + marketing agency | Strategy, crew, editors, performance marketers | From about 15,000 per project, or monthly content retainers | Content that must drive leads, monthly reels, launches | Retainer minimums; check what is in-house |
| Large production house / TVC company | Director, producer, full crew, edit house | 35,000 – 150,000+ | Broadcast commercials, big-budget brand films | Long timelines, high minimums |
Source for the freelancer and agency bands: videography.ae 2026 cost guide.
A useful rule: if the video ends at delivery, a studio or freelancer is usually enough. If the video has to feed Instagram, Google Ads and a landing page, an agency that plans, shoots and runs the campaign removes three hand-offs. Not sure which fits? Read our comparison of freelancers vs agencies.
What drives video production cost in Dubai
Two quotes for "a 60-second video" can differ by 10×. These line items explain why.
| Cost driver | Typical 2026 cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Camera, lighting, audio kit | 2,000 – 20,000 per day | Cinema cameras and gimbals sit at the top |
| Editing and sound | 1,000 – 5,000 per finished minute | Includes cut, sound mix, basic grade |
| Motion graphics | 2,000 – 10,000 per minute | Titles, infographics, animated logos |
| Premium location (hotel, Palm villa, DIFC) | 2,000 – 20,000+ per day | Often needs advance booking and NOCs |
| Filming permit (DFTC) | 520 per application | One application can cover several days and locations |
| Talent, models, voiceover | Varies by usage rights | See our models and casting service in Dubai |
| Arabic + English versions | Adds scripting, voiceover and subtitle time | Plan both languages from the script stage |
Sources: SL Media, Four Kings, Khaleej Times on Dubai filming permits.
Permits: the cost most quotes leave out
Commercial filming in Dubai's public places needs a permit from the Dubai Film and TV Commission. Khaleej Times reports a non-refundable fee of AED 520 per application, and fines of AED 15,000 for shooting without location permission. Drone shots need separate aviation approval, and malls, hotels and DIFC have their own access rules. Ask every company whether permits are included in the quote and who applies for them. Check current fees on filmdubai.gov.ae before you book.
How to compare quotes from Dubai video production companies
Put every quote through the same seven checks before comparing totals.
- Itemised scope: shoot days, crew list, locations and equipment are listed separately.
- Deliverables count: number of final videos, lengths and formats (16:9, 9:16, 1:1).
- Revisions: how many rounds are included; "unlimited" usually means slow.
- Permits and insurance: included or extra, and who files them.
- Usage rights: music, talent and footage licensed for ads, not just organic posts.
- Raw footage: whether you receive it, and at what cost.
- Timeline: social content in days, full commercials typically 2–6 weeks.
For a deeper checklist, read our guide to choosing the right video production company in Dubai.
Sample budgets for three common Dubai briefs
These are indicative ranges built from the 2026 market data above, not fixed quotes.
| Brief | What it includes | Indicative budget (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Off-plan launch pack | 1 cinematic project film (60–90 s), drone, 6 vertical cut-downs for Meta and TikTok ads | 15,000 – 45,000 |
| Corporate company profile | 2-minute film, 2 interviews, office B-roll, English + Arabic subtitles | 10,000 – 30,000 |
| Monthly reels package | 8 short-form videos, 1 shoot day, captions and trending audio | 6,000 – 25,000 per month |
Where Hala Media fits among Dubai video production companies
Hala Media is a Dubai-based video production company in Dubai in the full-service group: the same team plans, films, edits and runs the ads. We have produced 300+ videos for 50+ brands, including developers and brokerages such as AYS Developer, Leos Development, Vincitore Realty, Swank Development and House Hunters. See more in our work.
What that means for your budget:
- One brief, every format. Each shoot is planned to deliver the hero film plus vertical cut-downs, so you are not paying for a second shoot.
- Built to convert. Videos are cut for real estate lead generation and Meta and Google Ads, not just for the showreel.
- Four-step process: strategy, planning (script, shot list, permits), production with cinema cameras and teleprompters, then post-production with grading, subtitles and platform exports.
- Services: corporate video production, video reels production, commercials, real estate videography, event coverage and podcast production.
Get an itemised quote for your next video. Book a free 30-minute call, contact our Dubai team or WhatsApp +971 52 306 6402.
FAQ: video production prices in Dubai
How much does video production cost in Dubai in 2026?
Most brand videos cost AED 6,000–30,000. Single social reels start around AED 700, while cinematic brand films and TV commercials run from AED 25,000 to over AED 100,000.
How much does a 1-minute video cost in Dubai?
There is no flat per-minute rate. A one-minute social clip can cost AED 3,000; a one-minute cinematic piece can pass AED 30,000. Shoot days, crew and post-production set the price.
Is a freelancer or a video production company cheaper in Dubai?
Freelancers are cheaper per project, typically AED 2,000–7,000. Companies cost more but cover permits, backup crew, editing capacity and multiple deliverables from one shoot.
Do I need a permit to film a commercial video in Dubai?
Yes, for commercial filming in public places. Permits are issued by the Dubai Film and TV Commission; private locations, drones and some free zones need extra approvals.
How long does a corporate video take to produce?
Social content takes a few days. A full corporate film or commercial typically takes 2–6 weeks from brief to delivery.
What should a video production quote in Dubai include?
Shoot days, crew, equipment, locations, permits, number of final videos and formats, revision rounds, music and talent usage rights, and delivery dates.
Which video production company in Dubai is best for real estate?
Choose one with a property portfolio, drone approval experience and in-house ad expertise, so walkthroughs and launch films are cut for Meta and Google lead campaigns.
Are video production prices in Dubai quoted with VAT?
Not always. UAE VAT is 5%; ask whether each quote is inclusive or exclusive.