Transport for film and production crews in Dubai

What we do and what the production does

Producers planning a shoot in Dubai deal with permits, location agreements, insurance and crew visas through their local production partner. We do not handle any of that. Our part is a driver, a vehicle that fits the crew and the equipment, and a timetable that holds up from the first call time to the wrap.

If a location needs a permit for vehicles to enter or park, the production obtains it, and we ask for a copy so the driver can show it at the gate. We do not advise on filming rules. Check with your local production service and the relevant authority for what applies to your shoot.

Early call times and how a driver plans them

For a 05:00 call at a location outside the city, the driver needs to be at the hotel by about 04:15 to load and be moving on time. We write the pickup time, not the call time, on the quote so the crew sees the actual hour. A driver starting that early rests before the shift, so we also ask for an estimated wrap time. If a day runs well beyond what the quote assumed, overtime applies, and the quote shows how it is calculated.

The previous evening, send the driver the final call sheet or at least the pickup list. A one-page list with names, hotel and pickup time avoids a missing grip at the kerb.

Crew, kit and what goes where

Count the crew first, then the kit. A camera department with cases, a lighting truck and a make-up team do not fit in the same vehicle the way ten passengers do.

Heavy rigs, trussing and large lights usually travel separately in the production’s own trucks. We carry personal bags, small cases and hand kit. Tell us the size and number of cases when you ask for a quote.

Location hops within a day

Many shoot days involve two or three locations: a hotel exterior, a street, a desert set. The driver needs the order of the stops and a realistic time at each. Moving a crew of 30 takes longer than people expect, because everyone packs bags, gathers kit and counts heads. Allow 20 to 30 minutes between wrap at one place and wheels rolling for the next.

In the middle of the day, the heat and the traffic both matter. Location moves between the city and the desert should avoid the busiest rush-hour windows where you can. See the desert group transport guide for how a coach copes with sand-edge tracks.

Waiting time is the real cost of a shoot

Film days often involve long periods when the coach sits and does nothing. That is normal. Our day rate covers up to 10 hours, and the quote spells out what happens after that. If you expect a 12-hour day, say so at the start so the quote reflects it.

For multi-day shoots or a month-long production, the monthly bus rental page explains the contract-style rate, and the price page lists the starting rates for each vehicle.

Example: a 16-person commercial shoot, two days

This is an example only. A unit of 16 stays in Dubai Marina. Day one is an early call at a desert location, day two a city rooftop and a studio. One Sprinter with the same driver handles both days.

At the starting rate of AED 2,450 per day, two days would be AED 4,900 before extra hours, tolls or waiting. Because the first day starts very early, the written quote might list it differently. The quote is the figure to use, and it is fixed once you confirm.

Airport crew arrivals and the wrap-day departure

Crews arrive in waves, with the director and producers a day ahead and the camera team with cases on a later flight. Send each flight with the name list. Equipment cases often arrive on an air freight schedule and are collected by the production. For a big group arriving together, see the big group arrival guide. Individuals can use the airport transfer service.

Rules we cannot bend

We do not carry more passengers than a vehicle has seats. We do not drive off permitted roads. We do not offer legal or permit advice. If a location is private land, the production gets the owner’s agreement. The driver will follow your location manager’s instructions within those limits.

How to request a quote

Send the shoot dates, the call and wrap times, the location list, the crew number and the kit on the booking page. For events and brand activations after the shoot, see event transport. We provide transport only and do not sell tickets, tours, visas or hotel rooms.

Prices for these vehicles

Starting prices with driver and fuel, within Dubai. Hourly hire has a minimum number of hours, confirmed on your quote. Monthly prices are for a daily staff route; the route, hours and working days are confirmed on your quote. Your written quote gives the exact price for your date and route.

Related: Minibus rental Dubai · Van with driver · Monthly bus rental · Desert safari group transport · Get a quote

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