Premier Aerial Filming Company in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh
CHOPPERSHOOT is a leading drone and helicopter aerial filming company headquartered at Yas Creative Hub in Abu Dhabi, with active regional offices across Dubai and Riyadh. We specialise in complex, high-altitude, and high-speed aerial cinematography for blockbuster films, commercial real estate, live events, and tourism campaigns.
Our in-house team features elite certified Drone Pilots, FPV Pilots, and Gimbal Operators utilising state-of-the-art cinema equipment, including the DJI Inspire 3, heavy-lift FPV rigs, and the Shotover B1 paired with RED KOMODO. With an immaculate safety record and a dedicated in-house permits department, we manage the entire project lifecycle—from flight planning and multi-authority permit approvals to final delivery.
Cinematic Showreel
Experience our latest aerial work spanning the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Over the past year, our teams have pushed the boundaries of aerial cinematography, safely executing complex flight paths for some of the world's most recognisable brands. Watch our 2026 showreel featuring dynamic FPV manoeuvres, cinematic Inspire 3 captures, and high-altitude helicopter shots.
Commercial Aerial Filming & Drone Services in the UAE and KSA
CHOPPER SHOOT FZ LLC provides end-to-end aerial cinematography, drone photography, and aviation coordination for blockbuster films, commercial real estate, and live broadcast events. Operating from our headquarters at Yas Creative Hub in Abu Dhabi, with active regional offices in Dubai and Riyadh, we deliver high-altitude and complex flight operations across the Middle East.
Our Operational Standards:
In-House Permit Workflows: We do not outsource our flight planning. Our dedicated team manages multi-authority approvals, No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and Ministry of Defence clearances directly.
Aviation Compliance: All flights operate in strict accordance with DCAA and GCAA regulations, using mandatory live drone-tracking hardware and comprehensive pre-flight risk assessments.
Elite Crew: Our in-house roster of remote pilots and gimbal operators are evaluated against rigorous performance matrices, ensuring consistent, safe, and cinematic execution on every set.
Client Testimonials & Industry Reviews
Precision FPV Drone Cinematography
Our specialised First-Person View (FPV) teams capture high-speed, dynamic tracking shots that traditional drones cannot achieve. From diving down skyscraper facades to chasing off-road rally vehicles through the desert, our FPV pilots deliver immersive, aggressive, highly kinetic camera movement.
FPV Capabilities & Equipment:
Heavy-Lift FPV Rigs: Custom-built platforms that carry cinema-grade payloads for uncompromised image quality during high-G manoeuvres.
High-Speed Tracking: Built for speeds exceeding 140 km/h, perfect for live sports broadcasting, automotive commercials, and marine racing.
Cinewhoop & Indoor Flights: Propeller-guarded FPV setups designed for safe, proximity flying through tight indoor environments, factory floors, and crowded event spaces.
Integrated Action Cameras: Seamless integration with the latest action camera ecosystems, including FPV GoPro rigs, ensuring high frame rates and superior stabilisation.
Helicopter Aerial Filming & Aviation Logistics
For projects requiring extended flight times, heavy cinema payloads, or altitudes beyond drone limits, we offer comprehensive helicopter filming solutions. With over 15 years of regional aviation experience, we provide a complete, turnkey solution for airborne productions across the UAE and the wider Middle East.
Our Helicopter Filming Services Include:
Turnkey Aviation Logistics: We handle all flight planning, route mapping, specialised landing zone permits, and mobile refuelling coordination.
State-of-the-Art Gimbals: We fly with in-house, industry-leading stabilisation systems, including the Shotover B1 paired seamlessly with the RED KOMODO.
Aircraft Sourcing: Direct access to a versatile fleet of twin-engine and single-engine helicopters tailored to your production's payload and altitude requirements.
Location Scouting: Leveraging a decade and a half of regional geographic knowledge to advise directors on optimal flight paths, sun positioning, and airspace restrictions.
Case Study: DJ Armin van Buuren on Burj Khalifa
For DJ Armin van Buuren’s historic set atop the world’s tallest tower, CHOPPERSHOOT coordinated and executed one of the largest multi-aircraft aerial productions ever permitted in Dubai.
Production Scale & Execution Highlights:
Multi-Aircraft Airspace Coordination: Managed 11 simultaneous drone teams operating at 2,800 feet alongside a dedicated cinema helicopter at 8,000 feet, maintaining continuous safety corridors and airspace deconfliction.
High-Altitude Regulatory Clearances: Secured specialized high-altitude flight approvals and risk assessments through the DCAA, DFTC, and Ministry of Defense to permit synchronized flights in restricted Downtown Dubai airspace.
Broadcast-Grade Capture: Delivered seamless, multi-angle aerial coverage combining heavy-lift cinema drones and stabilized helicopter systems for a worldwide streaming and broadcast release.
Case Study: The Viral Emirates Burj Khalifa Drone Shoot
The Emirates Airline Burj Khalifa campaign stands as one of the most ambitious aerial stunts ever executed in Dubai. Partnering with Emirates, CHOPPERSHOOT captured the record-breaking stunt that quickly became one of the year's most viral global advertisements.
How We Executed the World's Highest Ad:
Rigorous Pre-Flight Planning: Filming at 828 meters above Downtown Dubai required two months of intensive risk assessment, safety protocol development, and multi-agency airspace approvals.
Precision Drone Operations: The entire stunt was flawlessly captured using a single high-performance drone, operating safely at extreme altitudes alongside the Burj Khalifa's pinnacle without CGI.
Unmatched Safety Record: The final output was a testament to our team's expertise in navigating the complexities of high-altitude drone operations while ensuring the absolute safety of the stunt personnel and the public.
This landmark project solidified our position as the region's premier aerial filming provider. Today, we continue to leverage the technical expertise gained from this monumental shoot to execute complex, high-stakes drone and helicopter operations for leading brands across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
UAE & KSA Drone Filming Permit FAQs
Navigating Middle East airspace regulations requires precision and expertise. Our dedicated permits department manages the entire process so your production stays on schedule.
How long does it take to get a drone filming permit in the UAE
Standard commercial drone permits in the UAE typically take 10 to 14 working days to secure when documentation is complete. We highly recommend initiating the permit process at least two to three weeks prior to your shoot, especially for complex or restricted locations.
Which authorities need to approve drone flights in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Commercial drone operations require approval from multiple authorities. In Dubai, this includes the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for federal compliance, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC), and security approval from the Ministry of Defense (MOD). In Abu Dhabi, the GCAA, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), the Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC), and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) coordinate approvals.
Can you fly drones near restricted areas or military zones?
Yes, but it requires specialised clearance. Filming near sensitive locations triggers additional reviews from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and may require a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to alert aviation stakeholders. We handle all specialised clearances for restricted zone filming.
Do you need permission to film on private property?
Yes. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner or developer (such as Emaar or Nakheel) is mandatory for any drone flights launching from or flying over privately owned land. We help productions coordinate these essential NOCs.
Are night flights allowed for drone filming in the UAE?
Yes, night flights are permitted, provided you submit a comprehensive risk assessment report that the DCAA and GCAA approve before the shoot. Our team has extensive experience preparing these specialised safety frameworks.
