Can you fly a drone to film or photograph in Saudi Arabia?

Drones of 250 g or more must be registered with GACA (renewed every three years), and all commercial or professional drone filming needs a GACA drone permit. Foreign crews submit a flight plan, drone details, insurance and a local partner letter.

Sources: Studio52: Saudi drone laws 2026 · Saudi Film Permit: drone permits for aerial filming

Foreign visitors may not fly drones for fun; bringing one in also needs an import permit.

Sources: Studio52: Saudi drone laws 2026 · Drone Laws: Saudi Arabia

More for Saudi Arabia: Getting paid · Filming & photo permits · Sponsored post rules

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Last verified October 6, 2026 by Terrell Groggins. Rules change: check the official source before you shoot or post. This is not legal advice.