Video Production Agreement (UAE)
VIDEO PRODUCTION AGREEMENT
Dated: [Agreement Date]
Production Company: [Production Company Name] (Trade Licence: [Production Licence]), of [Production Address] (the "Producer");
Client: [Client Name] (Trade Licence / Emirates ID: [Client Licence]), of [Client Address] (the "Client").
The Producer and the Client are together the "Parties" and each a "Party".
1. PRODUCTION SCOPE AND DELIVERABLES
1.1 The Producer shall produce the following video deliverables for the Client: [Production Scope].
1.2 Production schedule: [Production Schedule].
1.3 Primary shoot location(s): [Shoot Location].
1.4 The Producer shall perform the services with the skill and care of a competent video production professional, in good faith, and in accordance with Article 246 of the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985).
1.5 Revision rounds included in the production fee: [Revision Rounds]. Client feedback must be provided in writing within five business days of each cut delivery. Silence for more than five business days shall be treated as approval of the submitted cut.
2. PRODUCTION FEE AND PAYMENT
2.1 The Client shall pay the Producer the following total production fee: [Production Fee].
2.2 Payment schedule: [Payment Schedule].
2.3 All fees are subject to VAT at 5% under the VAT Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017). The Producer shall issue valid tax invoices compliant with Federal Tax Authority (FTA) requirements.
2.4 Third-party costs — including music licences, visual effects subcontractors, location permit fees, and talent fees not included in the approved budget — shall be approved in writing by the Client before commitment. The Producer shall not incur third-party costs above an agreed threshold without prior written approval.
2.5 If the Client requests changes to the agreed production scope after pre-production has begun, the additional cost shall be agreed in a written change order before the additional work commences.
3. COPYRIGHT AND USAGE RIGHTS
3.1 The production is an original audio-visual work protected under the UAE Copyright Law (Federal Law No. 38 of 2021), administered by the Ministry of Economy's Intellectual Property Section.
3.2 Usage rights granted to the Client on full payment of the production fee: [Usage Rights].
3.3 The Producer retains copyright in all pre-existing materials, production tools, and technical resources. Where a full copyright assignment is not selected, the Producer retains copyright and grants the Client a licence as set out in Clause 3.2.
3.4 Music used in the production must be licenced from an appropriate UAE or international music library. The Client is responsible for ensuring that broadcast or paid media use of the music is covered by the appropriate synchronisation and master recording licences.
3.5 The Producer retains the right to enter the completed production in industry award competitions and to feature it in the Producer's portfolio and showreel unless the Client requests confidentiality in writing.
4. PERMITS, TALENT, AND COMPLIANCE
4.1 Commercial filming in UAE public spaces, government locations, and specific private venues requires permits from the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) in Dubai, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) in Abu Dhabi, or the relevant authority. The Producer shall apply for and manage all required filming permits. Permit costs are recharged to the Client at cost as a third-party expense.
4.2 Drone filming requires approval from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The Producer shall obtain the required GCAA approvals before any aerial filming.
4.3 All talent — actors, presenters, voice artists, and extras — must sign performance releases permitting the contemplated commercial use of their performance. The Producer shall obtain signed talent releases for all performers engaged by the Producer. Talent arranged by the Client must have releases in place before the shoot.
4.4 All video content must comply with National Media Office (NMO) content standards. The Client is responsible for ensuring that broadcast content meets the NMO's requirements for broadcast licensing.
5. LIABILITY
5.1 Each Party is liable for loss caused by its breach or negligence under Articles 282 and 389 of the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985).
5.2 The Producer is not liable for delays caused by the Client's failure to provide timely feedback, failure to secure location access, or changes to the production brief requested after pre-production is underway.
6. TERMINATION
6.1 Either Party may terminate this Agreement immediately for material breach not remedied within 14 days of written notice.
6.2 If the Client terminates without cause after pre-production has begun, the Client shall pay all production costs incurred to the date of termination plus a kill fee of 20% of the remaining unpaid balance. All materials produced to the date of termination remain the Producer's property until full payment.
7. GENERAL
7.1 This Agreement is governed by the laws of the United Arab Emirates. The Parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the [Governing Forum].
7.2 This Agreement is the entire agreement on its subject matter and may be amended only in writing signed by both Parties.
7.3 The Producer is an independent contractor. Nothing creates employment, partnership, or agency between the Parties.
Signed for and on behalf of the Producer: [Production Company Name]
Signed for and on behalf of the Client: [Client Name]
Producer
________________
Signature
Client
________________
Signature
What Is a Video Production Agreement (UAE)?
A Video Production Agreement in the United Arab Emirates is a legally binding contract under which a licensed production company undertakes to produce one or more video deliverables — a television commercial, corporate brand film, digital content series, or social media video — for a client in exchange for a production fee and on terms that govern the usage rights to the finished production. The agreement is governed by the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985), which under Article 125 recognises the contract as formed when the parties agree on the essential terms: the production scope, the deliverables, the production fee, and the usage rights. Article 246 requires good faith performance; Article 257 makes the contract the law of the parties.
The UAE is a major video production hub in the Middle East and North Africa region, supported by world-class facilities at Dubai Studio City, Dubai Media City (DMC), twofour54 in Abu Dhabi, and a growing number of independent production studios across Dubai and the Northern Emirates. International production companies, advertising agencies, and brand clients regularly base productions in the UAE for its diverse locations — the Dubai skyline, desert landscapes, the Liwa oasis, historic Al Fahidi Fort in Bur Dubai, and modern architectural icons — combined with logistical infrastructure, crew availability, and relatively accessible production permitting.
Production companies operating in the UAE must hold trade licences from the relevant Department of Economic Development or a recognised free-zone authority. Commercial filming in public spaces requires permits from the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) under the Dubai Media Council, or the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC). Drone filming requires General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) approval. These permit requirements are managed by the production company and their costs are typically recharged to the client as third-party expenses.
The UAE Copyright Law (Federal Law No. 38 of 2021), administered by the Ministry of Economy's Intellectual Property Section, is the primary intellectual property statute governing video productions. Audio-visual works are protected from creation; the production company and creative contributors — the director, writer, and composers — are the initial rights holders by default. A written Video Production Agreement must contain an express copyright assignment or clearly scoped usage licence to transfer the commercial rights to the client on payment.
All video content intended for broadcast in the UAE must comply with National Media Office (NMO) content standards. The TDRA under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 oversees digital content standards. Talent appearing in UAE productions require performance releases compliant with the Copyright Law and immigration compliance under MOHRE rules for non-UAE national performers. Music synchronisation and master recording licences must be cleared from the relevant rights holders for any music used in the production.
VAT at 5% under the VAT Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017), administered by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), applies to production services. Corporate Tax under the Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022) applies to production company profits. Electronic execution is valid under the Electronic Transactions and Trust Services Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 46 of 2021).
When Do You Need a Video Production Agreement (UAE)?
A Video Production Agreement in the United Arab Emirates is needed whenever a brand, company, or agency formally engages a production company to create a video deliverable, and both parties want enforceable deliverable specifications, a clear payment structure, and well-defined rights to the finished production under the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985). Without a written agreement, the most expensive creative relationships in any marketing budget are governed by incomplete brief documents and WhatsApp exchanges that cannot substitute for a formal contract.
Television commercial production is the highest-stakes context. A single UAE TVC production for a major brand can cost AED 150,000 to AED 800,000 or more, involving multiple shooting days, principal talent, post-production, music, and visual effects. The production fee alone justifies a formal contract, and the need to define revision rounds, change order procedures, and broadcast rights makes a written agreement essential.
Corporate brand film production — for use on company websites, LinkedIn, investor presentations, and trade exhibitions — requires a formal agreement because the deliverables, the post-production schedule, and the usage rights are all significant commercial matters. Many UAE corporate clients require films in both English and Arabic versions, which should be specified in the production scope.
Digital content production for social media — Reels, TikTok videos, YouTube videos, and LinkedIn content — increasingly involves professional production crews, branded sets, and significant post-production. The Video Production Agreement sets the deliverable count, format specifications, social media cut dimensions, and rights for paid advertising amplification on Meta, Google, and TikTok.
Real estate developer videography — for off-plan project launches, handover events, and property showcase films — requires formal production agreements because of the significant budgets involved and the RERA and Dubai Land Department compliance requirements for property advertising materials.
Event coverage and conference production agreements are needed when a production company is engaged to film a corporate event, gala dinner, product launch, or sports event for subsequent use in marketing materials, internal communications, or broadcast. The rights to the event footage and the delivery timeline must be agreed before the event date.
International advertising agencies and global brands using UAE production companies for MENA region campaigns require formal production agreements that address multi-territory usage rights, music clearance for broadcast in multiple countries, and talent releases appropriate for international advertising use.
What to Include in Your Video Production Agreement (UAE)
A Video Production Agreement compliant with the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985) and the UAE Copyright Law (Federal Law No. 38 of 2021) must contain the following key elements. The forms-legal.com UAE video production agreement template addresses each component in a structure accepted by the Dubai Courts, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, and free-zone tribunals in the DIFC and ADGM.
Party identification must record the full legal names of the production company and the client, the trade licence number from the relevant Department of Economic Development or free-zone authority, and the registered address of each party.
Production scope must specify each deliverable precisely: the format (TVC, corporate film, social media cut), the duration of each version, the language versions (English, Arabic, or bilingual), the aspect ratios and file formats for delivery, the level of post-production (editing, colour grade, sound design, visual effects, motion graphics), and any specific technical requirements for broadcast delivery.
Production schedule must set out the key milestones: the pre-production period (script approval, storyboard, casting, location permits), the shoot date or dates, the first cut delivery date, the feedback and revision rounds, and the final delivery date. The feedback turnaround periods for the client at each stage must be defined.
Production fee must state the total fee in AED exclusive of VAT, what it includes and excludes, and the milestone payment structure tied to production phases.
Third-party cost approval must set a threshold above which the producer cannot commit to third-party costs — music licences, VFX, cast additions — without written client approval and a written change order.
Copyright and usage rights must specify whether the client receives a copyright assignment or a licence, the permitted uses, territory, and duration.
Talent and permit responsibilities must allocate who obtains and pays for DFTC or ADFC filming permits, drone approvals, talent releases, and location access agreements.
Revision rounds must define the number included in the production fee and the cost of additional rounds.
Termination and kill fee must address early termination by either party and the treatment of work product and costs incurred to the termination date.
Governing law must confirm UAE law and identify the governing courts.
How to Fill Out Your Video Production Agreement (UAE)
Completing a Video Production Agreement for the United Arab Emirates requires both parties to have agreed the production scope, the deliverables, the production fee, and the usage rights before the document is executed. Work through the template with the production brief, the budget estimate, and the agreed production schedule to hand.
Start with the parties. Enter the production company's full legal name exactly as it appears on its trade licence from the relevant Department of Economic Development or free-zone authority. Record the trade licence number. Enter the client's full legal name, trade licence number or Emirates ID, and both parties' registered addresses.
Enter the agreement date in DD/MM/YYYY format.
Describe the production scope in full. List every deliverable: format, duration, language version (English, Arabic, or both), aspect ratios, file formats for delivery, post-production level (editing only, full grade, sound design, VFX), and any specific broadcast delivery requirements. State what is excluded — music licensing, talent fees for principal cast if negotiated separately, VFX above a specified cost — so the client understands what is covered by the production fee.
Enter the production schedule with key milestone dates in DD/MM/YYYY format: pre-production start, script approval, shoot date(s), first cut delivery, feedback deadline, second cut if applicable, picture lock, grade and sound mix, and final delivery.
State the primary shoot location(s) and confirm which party is responsible for obtaining the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) permit, Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) permit, or other required authorisation.
State the total production fee in AED exclusive of VAT. Set the payment milestones tied to production phases (typically 33% / 33% / 34% or 40% / 30% / 30%). State VAT at 5% per the VAT Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017) is added to each invoice.
Select the usage rights that apply. If the client requires a full copyright assignment, select that option. If a licence is more appropriate, select the licence option that matches the intended use.
State the number of revision rounds included in the fee. Select the governing courts. Arrange signature by an authorised representative of each party. Electronic signatures are valid under the Electronic Transactions and Trust Services Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 46 of 2021). Download the completed agreement as PDF or Word.
Legal Requirements for Video Production Agreement (UAE)
A Video Production Agreement in the United Arab Emirates is governed principally by the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985) and the UAE Copyright Law (Federal Law No. 38 of 2021). Under the Civil Code, Article 125 confirms contract formation; Article 246 imposes good faith performance; Article 257 makes the contract the law of the parties; Articles 282 and 389 govern compensation for breach; Article 273 addresses force majeure.
The UAE Copyright Law (Federal Law No. 38 of 2021) protects audio-visual productions as original works. The production company is the initial rights holder by default; a written assignment or licence is required to vest commercial rights in the client. Performer rights in the production are protected under the same law and require talent releases.
Commercial filming in public spaces requires permits from the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) under the Dubai Media Council, or the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC). Drone filming requires General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) approval under Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2022 on Civil Aviation.
Broadcast content must comply with National Media Office (NMO) content standards under Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2021. Digital content is subject to TDRA oversight under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021.
Talent immigration compliance is governed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) rules under Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021). The Commercial Transactions Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 50 of 2022) and the Commercial Companies Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021) apply to commercial parties.
VAT at 5% applies under the VAT Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017). Corporate Tax at 9% applies under the Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022). Electronic execution is valid under the Electronic Transactions and Trust Services Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 46 of 2021).
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Video Production Agreement (UAE)
A UAE Video Production Agreement protects both the production company and the client only when the scope, rights, and financial structure are clearly defined. The following errors are the most costly in practice.
1. Production scope not defined in detail. A brief that describes the deliverable only as 'a brand video' without specifying duration, language versions, aspect ratios, and post-production level gives the producer complete discretion. The client has no contractual basis to reject a deliverable that does not meet its expectations. Define every deliverable with technical precision.
2. Third-party costs not approved in advance. Music licences, VFX subcontractors, and principal talent fees can add substantially to the production cost if not controlled. Without a threshold and a written approval process, the client can face invoice surprises. Set a threshold and require written change orders.
3. Copyright and usage rights not specified. The production company retains copyright by default under the UAE Copyright Law (Federal Law No. 38 of 2021). A client that uses the finished video for purposes beyond the agreed licence — additional channels, extended duration, new territories — may infringe copyright. Define rights precisely.
4. Filming permits not addressed. Shooting without a DFTC permit in Dubai public spaces is unlawful and can result in fines, crew detention, and project delay. Allocate responsibility for permits in the agreement.
5. Talent releases overlooked. Delivering a production that includes performers without signed talent releases leaves the client with a video it cannot legally use commercially. Require the producer to confirm that all talent releases are in place before final delivery.
6. Revision rounds unlimited. Failing to define the number of revision rounds allows the client to request endless changes without additional payment, making the production unprofitable for the producer. State the number of rounds included and the cost of additional rounds.
7. Kill fee on early termination not addressed. A client that cancels a production after pre-production has begun should compensate the producer for sunk costs. Without a kill fee clause, the producer may have no contractual remedy for costs already incurred.
Cite this page
Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Video Production Agreement (UAE) (United Arab Emirates) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/uae/business/services/video-production-agreement-uae
"Video Production Agreement (UAE) (United Arab Emirates)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/uae/business/services/video-production-agreement-uae.
@misc{formslegal-video-production-agreement-uae,
author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Video Production Agreement (UAE) (United Arab Emirates)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/uae/business/services/video-production-agreement-uae}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on UAE Copyright Law (Federal Law No. 38 of 2021)}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
A Video Production Agreement is legally binding in the United Arab Emirates as a contract under the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985). Article 125 confirms the contract forms when the parties agree on the essential terms: the production scope, the deliverables, the production fee, and the rights granted. Article 246 requires both parties to perform in good faith; Article 257 makes the contract the law of the parties; Articles 282 and 389 provide compensation for breach.
Video production in the UAE is a regulated commercial activity. Production companies must hold a valid trade licence from the relevant Department of Economic Development or a free-zone authority such as Dubai Studio City, Dubai Media City (DMC), or twofour54 in Abu Dhabi. Commercial filming in public spaces requires a permit from the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) in Dubai or the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) in Abu Dhabi. Drone filming requires approval from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
The UAE Copyright Law (Federal Law No. 38 of 2021), administered by the Ministry of Economy's Intellectual Property Section, protects audio-visual productions as original works. Without a written Video Production Agreement that contains an express copyright assignment or licence, the production company retains copyright in the finished video even after the client has paid in full. The client receives the delivered files but may not broadcast, publish, or adapt the video without the producer's authorisation.
The Dubai Courts and the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department enforce video production agreements and are experienced in disputes involving production scope, revision rounds, unpaid invoices, and copyright ownership. A formal written agreement is essential for any commercial production in the UAE.
Commercial video production in Dubai requires filming permits from several authorities depending on the location, nature of the production, and equipment used. The Video Production Agreement should specify which party — producer or client — is responsible for obtaining each required permit and bearing the associated cost.
The Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC), operating under the Dubai Media Council, is the primary authority for commercial filming permits in Dubai. Any shoot in Dubai's public spaces — streets, beaches, parks, public plazas, and Jumeirah Beach — requires a DFTC filming permit. The application requires submission of a shoot brief, the script or storyboard, the names of the production crew and their UAE residence visa or visit visa details, the production equipment list, and the proposed filming dates and locations. DFTC permits are typically processed within three to five working days. Filming without a permit in Dubai's public spaces carries fines and possible confiscation of production equipment.
Dubai International Airport filming requires a separate permit from Dubai Airports Corporation. Mall filming — at The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina Mall, and other major retail centres — requires permits from the relevant mall operator and may be subject to shoot time restrictions and crew size limitations.
Drone filming in Dubai is strictly controlled. Aerial filming within the Dubai Controlled Airspace requires prior approval from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). No-fly zones apply around Dubai International Airport (DXB), Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), government buildings, military facilities, and nuclear installations. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) governs filming aboard the Dubai Metro.
In Abu Dhabi, commercial filming permits are issued by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC). Many tourist landmark locations — the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Yas Island attractions — have their own specific filming permit requirements independent of the ADFC process. Free-zone productions within Dubai Media City, twofour54, or Dubai Studio City may have simplified internal permit processes within the free-zone boundaries.
Copyright in a UAE video production vests initially in the creators of the audio-visual work under the UAE Copyright Law (Federal Law No. 38 of 2021), administered by the Ministry of Economy's Intellectual Property Section. For a commercial production, this is principally the production company as the producer who organises, finances (partially), and controls the production — and the director and writer, whose creative contributions generate independent rights in the script and direction.
For a commissioned production where a client pays a production company to create a video, UAE copyright law does not automatically transfer ownership to the commissioning client. The client receives the delivered video files, but without an express written copyright assignment or licence in the Video Production Agreement, the production company retains copyright. The client that publishes, broadcasts, or adapts the video without the required assignment or licence would technically be infringing the production company's copyright.
The commercially standard approach in UAE video production agreements is a choice between two models: (1) a full copyright assignment, under which all rights in the finished production vest in the client on payment of the full production fee — used for advertising campaigns, corporate films, and branded content where the client needs unrestricted ownership; or (2) a usage licence, under which the production company retains copyright and grants the client a licence to use the production for specified purposes, in specified territories, and for a specified duration — common for lower-budget productions and where the producer wishes to retain the right to enter the work in awards or use it in their showreel.
Pre-existing materials incorporated into the production — licensed music, stock footage, graphics, and archival footage — are not owned by either the producer or the client; they are licensed from third-party rights holders. The music synchronisation licence for the production and the master recording licence for broadcast use must be secured separately and are typically the client's responsibility to maintain after delivery.
Talent rights in UAE video productions involve several distinct legal frameworks that the Video Production Agreement must address to ensure the client can use the finished production as intended without outstanding rights claims from performers.
Performer rights are protected under the UAE Copyright Law (Federal Law No. 38 of 2021). Actors, presenters, voice artists, and extras who perform in a UAE video production hold rights in their performances under the Copyright Law. These rights include the right to authorise fixation of their performance (recording it) and the right to authorise reproduction and broadcasting of the recorded performance. A performance release agreement, signed by each performer before or at the time of the shoot, is required to clear these rights for commercial use.
The performance release should specify: the performer's name and Emirates ID or passport number; the nature of the production; the permitted uses of the performance (advertising, website, social media, broadcast, out-of-home); the geographic territory; the duration; the performance fee; and whether the release is a buyout (all future uses covered by the one-time fee) or a licensed use with renewal fees. UAE advertising productions typically use buyout arrangements to avoid ongoing residual payments.
For non-UAE national talent engaged on UAE productions, immigration compliance is required. Non-UAE national actors and presenters working commercially in the UAE must hold the appropriate visa category — typically a work permit under their employment or a short-term work permit obtained through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). A production that brings in international talent without appropriate work permits may face penalties from MOHRE and immigration authorities.
Child performers require written parental or guardian consent under UAE law and additional protections regarding working hours and on-set welfare. The Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) permit process requires disclosure of child performers in the production crew and cast submission.
Payment milestones in a UAE Video Production Agreement are structured to protect both the production company's cash flow and the client's interest in receiving the deliverables before final payment. The milestone structure reflects the production phases and the costs incurred at each stage.
The standard UAE commercial production payment structure is: an upfront deposit on signing (typically 30% to 40% of the total production fee) to cover pre-production costs — script development, storyboard, casting, location scouting, permits, and equipment booking; a progress payment on the first shoot day (typically 30% to 33%) to cover crew, equipment, talent fees, and location hire during production; and a final payment on delivery and client acceptance (the remaining balance) to incentivise the producer to deliver on time and to give the client a financial lever to withhold pending delivery.
For large production budgets — above AED 200,000 — a four-milestone structure is common: signing, start of pre-production, first day of shoot, and final delivery. This smooths the producer's cash flow across a longer production timeline.
Third-party costs that cannot be fixed at the time of signing — including music licences, post-production visual effects, and talent fees for principal cast members whose rates are negotiated after the agreement is signed — should be approved by the client in writing before commitment and recharged at cost. The Video Production Agreement should set a threshold above which third-party costs require written client approval before commitment.
Late payment by the client on milestone invoices entitles the producer to suspend production work under Article 246 of the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985) if the failure to pay constitutes a material breach. The agreement should state the payment period for each milestone invoice and confirm the producer's right to suspend work if a payment is more than a specified number of days overdue. This protects the producer from carrying costs while the client delays payment.
Managing scope changes in a UAE video production is one of the most commercially sensitive aspects of the Video Production Agreement. Changes requested by the client after pre-production has begun — amendments to the script, location changes, reshoots, additional deliverables, and changes to the creative brief — all have cost implications that must be formalised through a written change order process.
The Video Production Agreement should define the number of revision rounds included in the production fee at each production stage — typically two rounds of feedback after the first edit cut, one round after the picture lock, and one round after the final grade and sound mix. This structure is consistent with standard practice among UAE commercial production companies and international production agencies operating in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Changes requested during pre-production — script revisions, additional locations, changes to casting — are the least expensive to accommodate if made early. The agreement should include a grace period for minor creative adjustments requested within a defined window after the brief is approved, without additional charge.
Changes during production — requesting a reshoot, adding locations on shoot days, or extending the shooting schedule — are expensive because they involve crew overtime, additional equipment hire, and potential additional location permit fees from the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC). These changes should require a written change order agreed and signed before the additional work begins.
Post-production change requests — revisions to the edit beyond the agreed rounds, colour grade changes, music replacement, graphic changes — should each be charged at the production company's day rate for the relevant department. The agreement should make clear that the included revision rounds cover consolidated client feedback, not iterative individual comments, and that the client's designated approval contact is identified to prevent unlimited rounds from different stakeholders. Under Article 257 of the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985), the Dubai Courts enforce the agreed revision structure as written.
Video production services supplied within the United Arab Emirates are standard-rated supplies taxable at 5% under the VAT Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017), administered by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). A production company registered for VAT must charge 5% on the production fee and issue valid tax invoices compliant with FTA requirements — including the production company's tax registration number, the invoice date, a description of the services by production milestone, and the VAT amount.
The mandatory VAT registration threshold for UAE businesses is AED 375,000 per year in taxable supplies. A production company with annual revenue above this threshold must register for VAT. Below the mandatory threshold, voluntary registration is available from AED 187,500. Most established UAE production companies and many active freelance producers are VAT-registered.
Third-party costs recharged to the client — location permit fees, music licences, talent fees, equipment hire, and post-production subcontractor costs — are subject to VAT where the production company acts as principal and marks up the costs. Where the costs are passed through as true disbursements at cost with third-party receipts, different VAT treatment applies and the production company should seek FTA guidance or take tax advice.
For international productions where the client is based outside the UAE with no UAE establishment, the VAT treatment of the production services depends on the place-of-supply rules in the UAE VAT Executive Regulations. Where the production services are performed to the benefit of an overseas client with no UAE establishment, the supply may be zero-rated as an exported service under the UAE VAT legislation, subject to meeting the specified conditions. The Video Production Agreement should state whether fees are exclusive of VAT and should address the position for overseas clients in a side note or additional clause.
Corporate Tax under the Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022) at 9% on profits above the threshold applies to production company profits from the production fee. The production company's tax position on the full production fee and third-party cost recovery should be factored into the fee structure.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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