How much does a photographer cost per hour in Dubai?

A photographer in Dubai costs AED 449 for one hour, delivering 10-25 edited photos. This rate applies to locations across the Emirates, from the bustling streets of Downtown Dubai to the quiet beaches of Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. This initial booking covers the professional's time on site, their equipment, and the post-production work to deliver your final images.

Booking longer sessions reduces the hourly rate. For example, a two-hour photography session is AED 549, while a three-hour session is AED 749. These rates include a single round of revisions on the edited photos.

Photography and Videography Rates in the UAE

Here’s a breakdown of the standard rates for photography and videography services. Note that if you book both photography and video, the videography column sets the price, as one professional handles both aspects of the shoot.

For bookings extending beyond eight hours, additional time is charged at AED 100 per hour for photography and AED 150 per hour for videography. These extended bookings are common for events like full-day conferences or extensive product shoots.

What's included in the price?

For photography, you receive 10-25 edited, colour-graded photos per booked hour. Videography bookings include 1-6 edited videos, with the exact number depending on the total booking length. All deliverables come with one round of revisions for photos and up to two rounds for video.

Raw footage is not included in these packages. If you need additional edited video content, a 30-second edited video beyond what's included costs AED 249.

What factors change the cost of a shoot?

The primary factors affecting the cost are the duration of the shoot and whether you need photography, videography, or both. Longer shoots offer a better per-hour rate. Choosing videography over photography also increases the base price, as video production is generally more complex.

Travel between emirates can also impact scheduling and cost. A trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, for instance, adds at least three hours of travel time, which can limit what's achievable within a half-day booking. Always factor in travel when planning your shoot locations, especially if you're considering multiple sites like Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah and a beach in Jumeirah on the same day.

What about permits and locations?

Commercial photography and videography in the UAE often require permits. While a personal phone shoot on Kite Beach might not raise eyebrows, a professional crew with lighting and equipment will likely need permission. The Dubai Film and TV Commission handles commercial filming permits in Dubai.

Private properties, malls, and even some communities like Palm Jumeirah have their own specific rules and often require written consent from management or owners. Always check these requirements well in advance. Securing these permissions is the client's responsibility, and it's essential to avoid issues on the day of the shoot.

When is the best time to book a shoot in the UAE?

The UAE's climate significantly impacts shoot planning. From November to March, the weather is mild, making outdoor shoots feasible throughout the day. This is peak season, so good professionals are often booked four to eight weeks in advance, especially for weekend dates.

From May to September, temperatures can reach 45°C or higher, with high humidity. Outdoor shoots during these months are best scheduled for the early morning, right after sunrise, or late evening, just before sunset. Otherwise, moving indoors, into shaded areas, or into a studio is essential. Equipment brought from air-conditioned spaces will fog up in the humidity, requiring a few minutes to acclimatise.

How can I ensure my payment is protected?

When you book through Shootix, your payment is held securely for the entire project. The professional only receives payment once you confirm that the shoot has been delivered to your satisfaction. This system ensures you're not out of pocket if there are any issues with the delivery.

Every professional listed on the platform is also ID-checked before their profile goes live, adding another layer of security and trust to your booking.

To see the full range of services and pricing, visit /pricing. If you have a specific project in mind, you can describe your shoot and get bids back from professionals at /.