Production in the UAE

The UAE is one of the easier places in the region to produce broadcast-quality work. Locations are dense, talent is accessible, the airports are good, and the licensing infrastructure is mature. None of that helps if you don't know who to call.

Mana provides production support for international firms, broadcasters, agencies, and corporates filming in the UAE. Single-day shoots through multi-week programmes. We handle the parts that don't travel: permits, locations, crew, kit, and on-the-ground creative direction.

Permits and licensing. Federal and emirate-level permissions, including Dubai Film and TV Commission, Abu Dhabi Film Commission, Sharjah Media City, and the National Media Council. We've worked across federal entities, government attractions, and major private locations.

Locations. Scouted, negotiated, and unlocked. Working relationships across Downtown Dubai, DIFC, the Abu Dhabi cultural district, the desert and coast, and the country's federal landmarks.

Crew. Local DPs, sound, gaffers, grips, and ACs. We work with the same trusted teams repeatedly and can scale a unit up or down for the brief.

Equipment. ARRI, RED, and Sony bodies, the lens packages around them, and the support gear. Sourced through partners we've used for over 15 years.

Creative direction. When you need a director on the ground, not just a fixer. Useful for international agencies whose lead creative is staying remote.

Talent. Casting, contracting, and managing on-camera and voice talent in Arabic and English.

Post. Picture and sound finishing in Dubai or remotely with our network in London and New York.

Broadcasters running interview programmes, sports content, or news features in the region. International agencies whose creative has been signed off in London, New York, or Sydney and who need a local production partner. Corporates whose annual reporting, investor relations, or executive content involves a UAE shoot. Brands shooting commercial work in the region's locations.

We are used to coming in as the local production partner on a creative led elsewhere. We are equally used to leading the creative ourselves when the international client wants a single point of accountability.

The standard model: a 30-minute scoping call, a one-page response with a budget range, and a longer conversation if it makes sense for both sides.