Aerial photography services licence in the UAE
Aerial photography services licensing in the UAE — the authority catalogue rows we hold for this line, the approvals attached to them, and where the activity can be filed.
- IFZA (Dubai)
- 7420008
- Dubai mainland (DET)
- 7420008
Regulator approval required
What the authority says
Includes firms which provide aerial photography services, satellite imagery, and related services, in addition to collection of their data including preparation of aerial photos and related non-engineering services, these firms may use the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).
IFZA activity catalogue · synced 5 September 2026
Where you can licence this
| Authority | Status | Code | Licence type | Approval | Facility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IFZA (Dubai) | Listed | Code7420008 | Licence typeProfessional | ApprovalRequired before the licence issues | FacilityNot restricted in the catalogue |
| Ajman Free Zone | Not listed under this name | Code— | Licence type— | Approval— | Facility— |
| Dubai mainland (DET) | Listed | Code7420008 | Licence typeProfessional | ApprovalNot stated | FacilityNot restricted in the catalogue |
Catalogue evidence, not legal advice. Authorities change activity lists without notice — confirm before you file.
Routes that list this activity
- IFZA (Dubai)Dubai address, available with Dubai Setup IndexFrom, no visaAED 12,900
Updated
Open guide - Dubai mainland (DET)Onshore trading rights, Ejari premisesFrom, no visaAED 14,000
Updated
Open guide
A route listing the activity is a starting point. The authority confirms eligibility when you apply.
Third-party approvals
Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA)
Before licenceIFZA (Dubai)Read the authority’s process note
DCAA approval must be obtained before the license issuance; this means that you will submit the application. Once the required documents are generated in the final stage (after the license application passes the security check), we will send the documents across to apply for the approval. The client must create an account and apply for NOC online https://www.dcaa.gov.ae/services/aviation-related-activities/issuing-permit Required documents from IFZA are: 1- Initial approval (or trade license if it’s an existing company), 2- 2- TPA Letter Please make sure that the approval is addressed to: Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, not IFZA. Duration: 1-3 working days. Charge: 6,520AED/activity. Renewable every year with the same fees.
Free zone or mainland
- IFZA lists this activity; Ajman Free Zone does not carry it under the same name, so confirm the Ajman catalogue before switching lanes.
- Dubai mainland under DET lets you invoice UAE mainland clients directly, but it expects Ejari-registered premises and runs longer than a free-zone desk package.
- Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) clearance is required before the licence issues, which breaks any advertised same-week timeline.
Also catalogued elsewhere
The same activity name appears in other authority catalogues we track. This is a name match, not a legal equivalence, and Dubai Setup Index does not file in these zones.
- DMCC7494-04 · Service
- Meydan Free Zone7420.97
Related activities
- Photography ServicesIFZA (Dubai) · Ajman Free Zone · Dubai mainland (DET)
- Commercial Photographs ProductionIFZA (Dubai) · Dubai mainland (DET)
- Underwater Photography ServicesDubai mainland (DET)
- Parties and Occasions PhotographingAjman Free Zone
- Photographic activitiesAjman Free Zone
- Aerial Advertising ServicesDubai mainland (DET)
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FAQ
Can I add more activities to a Aerial photography services licence later?
Usually yes, as a licence amendment, subject to the authority's rules and any extra approval attached to the new line.
Does this activity need third-party approval?
Yes. Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) must clear the activity before the licence issues, so build that step into your timeline.
Licence Aerial photography services with Dubai Setup Index
Compare free-zone and Dubai mainland requirements for costs, premises and how you invoice.