Aerial Filming in Saudi Arabia
Recently, I had the opportunity to work with OR Media, a video production company in London, on a project in Saudi Arabia. Our job was to create promotional videos that showcase the beauty of Saudi Arabia as a tourism destination. The team had already been working on multiple shoots over the past year, capturing breathtaking views of the country’s magnificent landscapes and historical sites.
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the ancient city of Hegra, also known as Mada’in Saleh. Hegra is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Al Ula, a region in the northwest of Saudi Arabia. This incredible site features well-preserved tombs carved out of sandstone cliffs, dating back to the Nabataean civilization over 2,000 years ago. It was an incredible experience to fly the drone over these historical sites and capture stunning aerial footage of the tombs and the surrounding landscapes.
Another location we visited was the NEOM project, which is a new ambitious project by the Saudi government to build a futuristic city in the northwest of the country, near the borders of Jordan and Egypt. The NEOM project aims to become a hub for technological and economic development, with an emphasis on sustainability and environmental conservation. Our team was privileged to be one of the first to capture aerial footage of this groundbreaking project, which will undoubtedly transform the region in the coming years.
One of the challenges we faced during our shoot in Saudi Arabia was the strict drone regulations imposed by the government. Drones are not allowed to be brought into the country, and only licensed local operators can operate drones. To comply with these regulations, we worked with a local drone operator who provided us with the equipment and permits required to fly the drone legally. It was a great experience to work with a local operator, who not only helped us navigate the regulations but also provided valuable insights into the local culture and customs.
Overall, our experience filming with the drone in Saudi Arabia was an unforgettable adventure. We were able to capture breathtaking aerial footage of some of the most beautiful and historic sites in the world, and we hope that our videos will inspire people to explore and discover the hidden gems of Saudi Arabia.