How much does a model cost for a photoshoot in Dubai?
By Tasweer studio team · Last updated · 7 min read
TL;DR
- One Dubai agency's published rate card (June 2025) lists commercial models at AED 1,500 to 3,000 and fashion models at AED 2,500 to 6,000 for an 8-hour day, before usage fees.
- Usage rights can add a lot: the same rate card adds 25% for one month up to 100% for one year, and 200 to 300% for an unlimited buyout.
- Agency booking commission is typically quoted at 15 to 25% on top of the talent fee, according to a 2026 UAE industry guide, plus 5% VAT where applicable.
- Published sources disagree widely, so treat every figure here as an indicative range, not a quote.
- Our fashion and lookbook packages include one model, from AED 2,000 excl. 5% VAT; for other shoots we cast talent and quote fees up front.
A model for a photoshoot in Dubai typically costs about AED 1,500 to 3,000 a day for commercial work and AED 2,500 to 6,000 for fashion, according to one agency's published rate card, before usage fees and agency commission. Published figures vary widely, so treat these as indicative ranges and get an itemised quote.
How much does a model cost per day in Dubai?
Published Dubai figures put a commercial model at roughly AED 1,500 to 3,000 for an 8-hour day and a fashion model at roughly AED 2,500 to 6,000, before usage. Very few agencies publish prices, so the table below relies on two sources, and they disagree.
| Model type | Diva Dubai rate card, June 2025 (8-hour day, before usage) | UAE Free Zone Finder, August 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| New face | AED 500 to 1,000 | Not listed |
| Commercial model | AED 1,500 to 3,000 | AED 3,000 to 10,000 for a half day (4 hours) |
| Fashion or editorial model | AED 2,500 to 6,000 | AED 5,000 to 20,000 for a full day (8 to 10 hours) |
| Plus size or curve | AED 2,000 to 5,000 | Not listed |
| Kids and teens | AED 1,000 to 2,500, including guardian presence | Not listed |
| Senior (50+) | AED 1,500 to 4,000 | Not listed |
| International or celebrity talent (Class A) | AED 4,000 to 25,000 | Not listed |
Some honest caveats. The first source is a modelling agency's own rate card and education page, so it reflects one agency's pricing. The second is a business-setup guide aimed at people starting a talent agency, and it does not explain how its figures were gathered. Neither is a survey of the market. We have not collected quotes ourselves for this page, so we do not add our own numbers.
What the sources agree on is the structure: a base day rate, plus usage, plus agency commission, plus VAT. That is how to compare quotes.
What are usage rights and how do they change the fee?
Usage rights define how you can use photos of the model: which media, for how long and in which countries. The base day rate pays for the model's time; usage pays for the commercial value of their image. The broader and longer the usage, the higher the fee.
The Diva Dubai rate card publishes usage as percentages added to the base rate. A selection:
| Usage factor | Example add-on in the rate card |
|---|---|
| 1 month | +25% |
| 1 year | +100% |
| Unlimited buyout | +200 to 300% |
| Online or social media | +25 to 50% |
| Website | +15 to 30% |
| Outdoor (billboards) | +100 to 150% |
| Packaging | +75 to 150% |
| GCC territory | +25% |
| Global territory | +100 to 200% |
Other agencies may price usage differently, or include basic online usage in the day rate. Before casting, decide where the images will appear: marketplace listings and your website only, or paid social ads, print and packaging too. Be clear about it in the brief, because adding usage after the shoot is usually more expensive.
What do agencies charge on top of the model fee?
A booking commission is common. The 2026 UAE Free Zone Finder guide describes a client-paid booking commission of 15 to 25% added on top of the talent fee, with 5% VAT applied to the total if the agency is VAT-registered. This is separate from the commission a model pays their own agency.
On top of the model, a shoot may also need hair and make-up, a stylist and wardrobe, and travel for location days. Ask every agency for an itemised quote that shows the day rate, usage, commission, VAT and any overtime terms separately, so you can compare like for like.
Is a half day cheaper than a full day?
Usually, but not always by half. The Diva Dubai rate card defines a half day as 4 hours or less and a full day as 8 hours, with overtime charged after 10 hours. Many agencies apply a minimum booking, so a 2-hour job may still be charged as a half day.
| Booking | Typical length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Half day | Up to 4 hours | Up to about 12 looks, small ecommerce batches, reels |
| Full day | About 8 hours | Lookbooks, 20+ looks, studio and location |
| Overtime | Beyond the agreed hours | Avoid by planning the shot list |
Our fashion and lookbook packages are 1 to 3-hour studio shoots with one model included, so a short session does not need a separate half-day booking.
How much do hand models and kids cost?
We could not find a reliable published rate for hand or parts models in the UAE, so we do not quote one. Hand models are typically booked for jewellery, watches, cosmetics and food, and fees depend on duration and usage like any other booking. We offer a hand model as an add-on to ecommerce and product shoots and quote the fee up front.
For children, the Diva Dubai rate card lists kids and teens at AED 1,000 to 2,500 per day, including guardian presence. Shoots with children need shorter sessions, breaks and a parent or guardian on set. Confirm working hours and any permissions for minors with the agency before booking; we have not found a single public source that sets these out for photoshoots.
How do you budget for models on a studio shoot?
Start with your looks and usage, then work out the model hours. A simple budget looks like this:
- Count the looks. About 12 looks fit a half day in the studio; 25 looks need a full day.
- Decide usage. Marketplace and website only, or paid ads, print and packaging too.
- Choose the number of models. Two models can share looks and speed up a large range.
- Add commission and VAT. Ask whether commission is included or added.
- Add the photography. Our lookbook packages include one model: AED 2,000 (1 hour in the studio), AED 3,500 (2 hours plus 5 short reels) and AED 5,000 (3 hours plus 5 reels), each with 3 edited photos per item, all excl. 5% VAT. An additional model is AED 500 to 1,200, depending on session length.
For a full breakdown of lookbook packages, extras and what to prepare, see our fashion lookbook photoshoot cost guide.
For plain business portraits rather than model work, our corporate headshots cost guide covers session prices and what to wear.
If you are a model building your own book rather than a brand casting one, our model portfolio photoshoots are AED 1,500 (1 hour, 15 photos and polaroids), AED 2,500 (2 hours, 20 photos, digitals and a casting video) and AED 4,000 (4 hours, 30 photos and a reel), excl. 5% VAT.
We cast male, female, kids and hands-only talent to your brief and quote the model fees before you book, so there are no surprises on the day. For abaya and modest fashion casting, see our abaya photography guide; for outdoor shoots, check Dubai photography permits. Compare tiers on our packages page or request a quote with your look count and usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a model cost per day in Dubai?
One Dubai agency's published rate card (June 2025) lists new faces at AED 500 to 1,000, commercial models at AED 1,500 to 3,000 and fashion models at AED 2,500 to 6,000 for an 8-hour day, before usage. A 2026 UAE industry guide quotes higher figures. Treat both as indicative ranges and get a quote for your brief.
Are model fees included in your photography packages?
It depends on the package. Our fashion and lookbook packages include one model: AED 2,000 for a 1-hour studio shoot, AED 3,500 for 2 hours and AED 5,000 for 3 hours, excl. 5% VAT. On product shoots a model is an add-on from AED 500, and other talent is quoted up front.
What are usage rights for a model shoot?
Usage rights define where, for how long and in which territory you can use images of the model. Website and social use for a short period costs less than paid ads, print, billboards or a permanent buyout across several countries.
Do I pay the agency commission or does the model?
It depends on the agency and the deal. A 2026 UAE industry guide describes a booking commission of 15 to 25% paid by the client on top of the talent fee, separate from any commission the model pays their agency. Ask for an itemised quote.
How much does a hand model cost in Dubai?
We could not find a reliable published rate for hand or parts models in the UAE. Hand modelling is usually quoted per booking based on duration and usage. We offer hand models as an add-on and quote the fee before you book.
Can children model for a commercial shoot in Dubai?
Yes, through agencies that represent children, with a parent or guardian present. One Dubai agency's rate card lists kids and teens at AED 1,000 to 2,500 per day including guardian presence. Working hours and permissions for minors should be confirmed with the agency.
Is VAT charged on model fees?
If the agency or model is VAT-registered in the UAE, 5% VAT is added to their invoice. Our own package prices are also quoted excluding 5% VAT.
Sources
- Diva Dubai: Model rate card and pricing education guide (agency blog, 23 June 2025)
- UAE Free Zone Finder: UAE talent and modeling agency guide 2026 (updated August 2026)
Marketplace rules and regulations change. We review this guide regularly; check the source before you rely on a detail.
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