How to obtain Filming and Photography Permit in Qatar

Have you ever been using a professional camera (DSLR) in Doha, Qatar when suddenly someone interrupts and asks if you have a photography permit, prompting you to pack up your equipment and leave the area?

Qatar is home to many astonishing buildings like Museums, Old Souqs and authentic restaurants which are really worth visiting for. And as a visitor, snapping pictures of your loved ones is the nicest souvenir you can have. But before you do, you should be aware of how crucial permits for shooting pictures and movies are. Because Qatari officials take permissions very seriously, some locations in Qatar require visitors and local photographers to get permits.

Having a photography permit is nothing new, but the enforcement of commercial photography permits is growing more stringent on a daily basis, especially with the introduction of new technology like drones that invade the privacy of those living close to popular shooting locations. Nonetheless, it is generally acceptable for people to use their cell phones to take pictures for personal use, so you won’t run into any problems if you do.

Related Article: Best places to visit in Qatar

I included a list of some of Qatar’s well-known locations along with information on how to obtain the necessary permits for tourists and local photographers. While permit approvals can take 3-5 working days, or even longer, I strongly advise you to prepare ahead of time.

Please also note that obtaining permit is free of charge (except Al Bidda Park).

1. Musheireb Down Town

First on the list is Musheireb Down Town. Msheireb Downtown Doha is ideally situated in the center of Doha, Qatar’s ambitious and booming capital city, just minutes from the Hamad International Airport and in the middle of two major entryways. A city in transformation is defined by Msheireb Downtown Doha.

How and where to request permit to take photos and videos:

1. Request approval form through email to [email protected]
2. Fill-in the form. The form must be signed and dated by the focal point and resent to [email protected].
3. All photography requests must be done at least 3 days prior to the date of filming. Requests with less than 3-day notice may not be processed.

Requirements:

1. Updated Passport copy
2. Updated QID copy
3. Vehicle license plate number of the filming team’s focal point

2. HOTEL PARK (near Sheraton Hotel)

Hotel Park – The bustling business district of Doha is home to the brand-new family amenity complex known as Hotel Park. Mini-fountains, waterfalls, and little streams are among the exquisite water elements found in the tranquil green park, which is situated at the top of the Corniche. In the midst of the city’s contemporary architecture, Hotel Park offers both locals and tourists alike a tranquil natural setting for picnics, play areas, and small-scale outdoor family gatherings.

A permit can be obtained on the same day of filming or photo shooting. You can approach the security guards on duty within the premise for assistance or you can go directly to the reception at Car Park Reception Level 2, Green Zone (14-21).

You need to fill-in the form and submit a copy of your QID or passport.

You can also opt to send them an email at [email protected] or call them at +974 5597 8387 for inquiries.

3. KATARA

Katara is a cultural village in Doha, Qatar. It is located on the eastern coast between West Bay and the Pearl.

Katara has a beach, a souq, an opera house, a multipurpose conference hall, an open amphitheater, and more. In November 2015, a museum highlighting the nation’s maritime heritage debuted.

How and where to request permit:

Katara allows its visitors to take photos or videos after obtaining a permission. They can apply online to get the permission at least one working day before the date of shooting.

Online Instructions:

• Fill out the online form, entering all required information.
• Select the shooting type.
• Select the purpose of shooting, and the shooting location.
• Enter the verification code.
• Click “Submit”.

Additional Information:

• Maximum permit validity is one week from its issue date.
• It is not allowed by law to use the taken pictures or videos for advertising and commercial purposes. Also, using models is strictly forbidden.
• Applicant is bound by this permit to provide a copy of the pictured or filmed material to Katara management, which in turn shall not give this material to any other entity.
• Applicant must be available at the time and place of Shooting.

For further assistance, you can directly call their call center hotline by dialing 182 or call them at 44080000.

Source: www.katara.net

4. Qatar Foundation

The same with Katara, permit can be requested through online if you want to take photos and videos in Qatar Foundation’s premises.

Online Instructions:

• Login to Qatar Foundation website.
• Fill out the online form, entering all required information.
• Choose the places you are interested in photographing/filming.
• Accept terms and conditions listed at the bottom of the form.
• Click “Submit”.

Additional Information:

• Filming inside Qatar Foundation Headquarters, Al Jazeera Children’s Channel and Qatar Science and Technology Park will require special security access and coordination.
• Filming inside the university buildings, QSTP, and Al Jazeera Children’s Channel will require the requester to coordinate directly with the communication focal point in each location as well as the QF Press Office, with the final approval coming from the QF Press Office.

Source: www.qf.org.qa

5. The Pearl Qatar

The Pearl-Qatar is one of the biggest mixed-use developments in the Middle East. The artificial island is 350 meters off the coast of Doha’s upscale West Bay District and is situated on 4 million square meters of reclaimed land.

The Pearl-Qatar is known as an iconic location that embodies smart and sustainable features, offers an eclectic mix of residences, retail, F&B, and entertainment outlets, and houses Doha’s fastest growing community. It is divided into ten architecturally distinct precincts that are inspired by the most charming Mediterranean cities.

It is a mandatory requirement to obtain permit prior to taking photos and videos within The Pearl / UDC premises.

1. Request approval form through email at [email protected]
2. Send back the form attaching copies of your updated QID and passport (if you are in a group, they will also require you to submit copies of your members’ QID and passport.
3. Fill in request form by typing using computer as hand writing will not be accepted.

Note: Approval of ground filming/photography takes up to 5 working days from the date of application.

6. Aspire Zone

Aspire Park is situated in Aspire Zone, which is part of Doha, Qatar’s southern Baaya neighborhood. It is Doha’s largest park and spans an area of 88 hectares. Particularly at night, it is a fantastic location for family outdoor gatherings, picnics, and taking pictures while admiring the Aspire Tower.

Taking photos using a professional camera in Aspire zone is allowed as long as you have obtained a photography permit from their management.

You can request a permit by visiting their website and fill-in the required information online here.

You can also contact their reception at +974 4413 7333 for more information and assistance.

7. Al Bidda Park

Al Bidda Park, previously Al Rumaila Park, is a green space near to the Qatar National Theater in Doha, Qatar. One of Doha’s oldest and most well-liked parks, it is close to West Bay and has a view of the Corniche. It is one of the places where people go to see birds. A children’s playground, a few stores, and the Cultural Village, a center for cultural heritage, are all located in the park.

If you are interested to take photoshoots for personal use in Al Bidda Park, please be informed that you are required to secure a photography permit or photography license from Al Bidda Park Management. You can request a copy of the form at [email protected] or you may contact them at +974 4428 7777.

Requirements:
1. Filled-in approval form
2. Copy of QID (both sides)
***They only accept card payment***

Kindly note that there will be a fee of QAR 200/- in obtaining a photography permit which is valid for up to 5 hours only. Yes, you read it right, they will charge you a fee in securing a permit unlike other places in Doha, Qatar like Musheireb, and in The Pearl which the permits are for free. So, it is advisable to plan your photoshoots accordingly.

The application has to be submitted minimum of 7 working days before the scheduled day of the photoshoot. The request is only confirmed once you received an official confirmation from Al Bidda Park management.

Related Topic: How to apply for BBQ station reservation in Al Bidda Park?

8. QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY

General Information

Qatar National Library welcomes individuals and institutions wishing to film and photograph inside its premises. Library visitors using the following equipment must have prior approval from the Library’s Communications department:

• DSLR camera with tripod 
• DSLR camera with stabilizers 
• Professional camcorder 
• Aerial filming with drones or cranes 
• Other equipment such as microphones, tripods, lights, reflectors, backdrops, etc. 

Parties who wish to undertake photography and/or videography outside the Library premises, and its exteriors, are kindly requested to go through the following steps to secure related approvals:

• Request and obtain the permission of Qatar Foundation Communications Directorate for filming and photography. To lodge a request for permission, interested parties should visit: http://www.qf.org.qa/film
• After securing Qatar Foundation’s approval, the requesting party should complete the Library’s filming and photography permission form. 

Guidelines, Terms and Conditions

• Notice Period:  If the Library will be used only as a location for filming, two weeks’ notice is required; if special arrangements are requested from the Library, at least one month’s notice is required.
• The Library reserves the right to decline any request.
• Photography/filming may only take place during the Library’s working hours (7:30 am – 3:30 pm).
• The requesting party must provide accurate and full information when submitting the photography/filming request.
• Photography/filming of visitors, students, teachers, or staff will require the requesting party to obtain written consent from each individual.
• Consent forms from individuals being photographed/filmed must be shared with the Library’s Communications team through [email protected].
• Crew members of the requesting party are not allowed to move library books without informing the Library’s Communications representative.
• Any damage caused to the Library’s facilities as a result of filming will be the responsibility of the requesting party, who will be liable for any resulting costs.
• The Library is not responsible for the content of videos filmed on its premises.
  
  Important Notice: 

• All crew members must have a valid Qatar ID, or passport and should match that given in the online form.
• All crew members should check-in from the Library’s loading bay, register with the security desk and receive their temporary filming and photography passes. The passes should be handed back at the security desk in the loading bay upon exiting the premises. 
• All equipment needs to be brought in from the Library’s loading bay. 
• Equipment will be checked on the day of the shoot to ensure that all items correspond with the provided list. Please upload a list of all the equipment you will be using at the Library, including cameras, lighting (include type and wattage), and additional equipment (tripods, weights, etc.), as well as their serial numbers.
• All requests, whether logistical or technical, should be channeled through the Library’s Communications’ representative on the day of the filming. 

Source: Qatar National Library’s website

Hopefully, this guide helps you navigate around permit obtaining for your next shoot. Post any questions you have regarding photography permits in the comments below.

***The policy in obtaining permits may change without notice so it would be better that you check their websites for updates regarding this matter.***

Feel free to let us know if we missed some other interesting places in Qatar that requires photography permit.

Article last updated on 13-Mar-2023

POPULAR TOURS IN QATAR