Assistant Directors
Experienced 1st and 2nd ADs managing productions across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Emirates.
The assistant director brings organizational discipline to productions in the UAE, where shoots span ultra-modern cityscapes, desert landscapes, and purpose-built studio facilities. From coordinating at Dubai Studio City to managing desert location shoots near NEOM-adjacent areas, the 1st AD navigates the Emirates' unique production environment where cutting-edge infrastructure meets challenging climate conditions.
NeedAFixer connects you with ADs experienced in the UAE production ecosystem. Our network includes professionals who have worked at Dubai Studio City, twofour54 Studios in Abu Dhabi, and on location across the Emirates, with practical knowledge of DFTC permitting, Abu Dhabi Film Commission rebates, and the cultural protocols essential for smooth production in the Gulf region.
Complete AD Services
From pre-production scheduling through wrap, our assistant directors provide the organizational leadership that keeps productions efficient and on track.
1st Assistant Director
- • Set management & control
- • Shooting schedule execution
- • Director collaboration
- • Crew coordination
- • Safety oversight
2nd Assistant Director
- • Call sheet preparation
- • Talent coordination
- • Background management
- • Paperwork & reports
- • 1st AD support
AD Team Services
- • 2nd 2nd ADs
- • Key set PAs
- • Crowd marshals
- • Base camp coordination
- • Multi-unit support
Pre-Production
- • Schedule breakdown
- • Day-out-of-days
- • Strip board creation
- • Location logistics
- • Shooting order planning
Why Choose Our Assistant Directors
Gulf Production Expertise
Our ADs have credits on international features, major commercials, and regional productions across the UAE. They manage complex shoots in Dubai's iconic locations and Abu Dhabi's cultural sites with proven logistics experience.
UAE Studio & Permit Knowledge
ADs familiar with Dubai Studio City, twofour54 Studios, and Sharjah Media City. They navigate DFTC permits, Abu Dhabi Film Commission rebates, and coordinate with free zone authorities across the Emirates.
Multilingual Communication
English and Arabic speaking ADs ensuring clear communication between international directors and local crews. They understand cultural protocols, prayer time scheduling, and the expectations of working in the Gulf production environment.
Desert & Urban Scheduling
Expert schedule management accounting for extreme heat conditions, Ramadan scheduling, and the logistics of shooting across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Our ADs plan around weather windows and cultural calendar considerations.
AD Department Expertise
What does a 1st Assistant Director do in the UAE?
The 1st AD runs the set — managing the shooting schedule, coordinating all departments, calling shots, and ensuring the director focuses on creative decisions. In the UAE, the 1st AD also manages DFTC or twofour54 permit compliance and coordinates with local authorities for location access.
What's the difference between 1st and 2nd AD?
The 1st AD runs the set during shooting, while the 2nd AD handles logistics off-set — preparing call sheets, coordinating talent movements, managing background artists, and handling production paperwork. On larger productions, they work as a team with the 2nd supporting the 1st's set management.
How do cultural considerations affect production scheduling?
UAE productions must account for prayer times, Ramadan scheduling, and cultural sensitivity requirements. Our ADs build these considerations into every schedule, ensuring respectful operations while maintaining production efficiency.
Do your ADs speak Arabic?
Many of our ADs speak Arabic alongside English, which facilitates coordination with local authorities and crew. All our ADs for international productions are fluent English speakers with extensive Gulf region experience.
Can you provide AD teams for multi-unit productions?
Yes, we staff complete AD departments including 1st ADs, 2nd ADs, 2nd 2nd ADs, and additional support for main unit, second unit, and splinter units. We coordinate to ensure consistent communication across all units.
What experience do your ADs have?
Our AD roster includes professionals with credits on major international productions, high-profile commercials, and regional features shot across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the wider Emirates.
Need an AD Team?
Tell us about your production and we'll recommend experienced assistant directors.