A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Kuwait
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Kuwait: What You Need to Know
The importance of having the relevant filming permits in place before you call “action!” on your production in Kuwait cannot be overstated. You need to have authorised permission to shoot within any public space and, once your local production partner has filed your project synopsis, crew and gear list along with shooting schedule, this can take up to two weeks to come through.
There are also some places, such as government buildings, military and oil-related areas, that are considered sensitive locations and need explicit consent from the relevant authorisations before you can take out your camera here. Anyone caught doing so without a permit will face severe penalties.
Timing Your Kuwait Film Production around the Weather
Kuwait is predominantly a large desert. While this can make it very special to look at, you have to be careful of climate conditions.
There are generally only two seasons, summer and winter. Most foreign filmmakers find the mainly mild temperatures of the early winter months, which begin in November, more comfortable for daily outdoor filming. If you do decide to film during this period, you’ll have to expect sudden rainfall and, if you decide to come in January and February, be prepared for more freezing conditions.
Summer starts to seep in around April, and it gets hot very quickly, routinely hitting 45°C (113°F) and higher! It’s also extremely dry and dusty, with intense sandstorms like the Shamal wind in June and July. This can be very damaging to equipment, so if you schedule your shoot at this time, make certain you have the right protective coverings for your film kits as well as your crew.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
You may assume that, as an oil country, Kuwait is very expensive. But the truth is that the cost of living is similar to most Western European countries. If you’re considering renting your film equipment here, it won’t be too costly, and it is probably the right decision if you don’t own your own kit.
If you do own your own cameras, lights and sound gear, it could be just as easy and less hassle to bring it with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
No.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Yes, it’s extremely safe here.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
No, a tourist visa will suffice.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
You need to work with a local company to ensure you get access to the locations you want to film in.
Do I need a permit for drones?
Yes, and you must use a local drone operator with their own drone; you cannot bring drones into Kuwait.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
No, there isn’t, but this is because, currently, there are no taxes on productions made in Kuwait.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
With the right permits, it is possible.
Working with Fixer Kuwait
We are a long-standing and experienced production support company that knows the ins and outs of specialised filming here in Kuwait. It’s because of this great reputation that we can count top global businesses, brands and media platforms among our clientele.
We’ve been delighted to work on the BBC’s hugely popular TV show, The Great British Menu, as well as critical videos for US tech company, Oracle’s Cloud Innovation. However, other clients we’ve enjoyed working with include Al Jazeera, Discovery Channel, Al Arabiya News, UNICEF and Panasonic.
