Aerial Drone Photography Cost in Dubai: What to Pay in 2024

A one-hour aerial drone photography shoot in Dubai starts at AED 449, delivering 10-25 edited, colour-graded photos. For videography, the same hour costs AED 549 and includes 1-6 edited videos. These rates apply across Dubai, whether you're shooting a property in Jumeirah or a construction site in Business Bay.

Drone photography and videography offer unique perspectives, but the costs vary based on the duration of the shoot and whether you need stills or video. Longer bookings provide better value per hour.

Here’s a breakdown of Shootix's rates for drone photography and videography services:

For shoots extending beyond eight hours, additional time is charged at AED 100 per hour for photography and AED 150 per hour for videography. This covers the professional's time on location and initial post-production.

What affects the price of drone photography in Dubai?

The primary factors influencing the cost are the length of the booking and the type of media you need. A half-day shoot (four hours) for photography is AED 949, while a full day (eight hours) is AED 1549. Opting for videography will always be a higher rate, as it typically involves more complex post-production and equipment.

If your project requires both photography and videography, the booking is priced from the videography column. One professional will handle both aspects of the shoot, ensuring a consistent visual style across your deliverables.

Additional edited video cuts beyond what's included in your package will add AED 249 for each extra 30-second video. This is common for marketing campaigns that need multiple short clips for different platforms.

Travel between emirates also impacts the effective cost. A shoot in Ras Al Khaimah booked from Dubai means the professional spends at least three hours in transit, which can limit what's achievable within a half-day booking. Factor this travel time into your planning.

What do these prices include?

For photography, you receive 10-25 edited, colour-graded photos per booked hour. This means a two-hour shoot will yield 20-50 final images. Videography bookings include 1-6 edited videos, with the exact number depending on the booking length and complexity of the project.

All bookings include one round of revisions for photos and up to two rounds for videos. This ensures the final output meets your expectations. Raw footage is not included in the standard packages.

One crucial aspect is payment protection. Your payment is held by Shootix throughout the project. The professional is only paid once you confirm the shoot has been delivered to your satisfaction. If there's an issue with delivery, your money is protected.

What should you check before booking a drone shoot?

Before booking, confirm if your desired location requires specific permits. Commercial drone operations in Dubai are regulated, and many areas, especially around airports, government buildings, and private communities like Palm Jumeirah, have restrictions or require prior approval. Malls and private properties will also need written permission from their management or owner.

Attempting to fly a drone without the necessary permissions can lead to fines and confiscation of equipment. A professional drone operator will understand these requirements, but it's always best to clarify upfront.

Consider the time of day and year. Shooting outdoors in Dubai during July at 2 PM is challenging due to extreme heat and harsh sunlight, which can affect both equipment and image quality. Early mornings or late afternoons are generally best for outdoor drone work, especially from May to September. The cooler months from November to March offer more flexibility for daytime shoots.

Finally, clearly communicate your vision. Provide specific angles, shots, or areas you want covered. This helps the drone operator plan their flight path and ensures you get the exact footage or images you need.

To see the full range of services and book your drone photographer or videographer, visit the Shootix pricing page. If you have a specific project in mind, you can describe your shoot and receive bids from professionals on the Shootix homepage.