It’s lights, camera, action in Abu Dhabi as the city amps up its offerings to Hollywood and Bollywood filmmakers.
The Abu Dhabi Film Commission is making waves in the film industry by hiking its rebate to attract more film and TV shoots. As of January 2025, productions can benefit from a rebate of up to 50% on qualified below-the-line expenses, a significant leap from the previous threshold. This move is part of Abu Dhabi’s strategy to cement its reputation as a cinematic hub, following a decade of welcoming major international productions.
Notable films that have taken advantage of Abu Dhabi’s scenic and versatile landscapes include blockbusters like “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” and “Furious 7.” The latest in line is “Dune: Part Two,” which utilized the dramatic backdrop of the Liwa Oasis for its desert scenes, emphasizing the emirate’s appeal to filmmakers.
Mohamed Dobay, the acting director general of Abu Dhabi’s Creative Media Authority, expressed optimism about the increased rebate. He believes it will attract a broader range of productions, including game shows, reality TV, and animated projects, not just traditional feature films and series.
The enhanced rebate framework allows productions to reach the 50% rebate mark by incorporating elements of the UAE’s heritage into their storylines, conducting thorough post-production work locally, or filming entire series or major scenes within Abu Dhabi. This initiative encourages filmmakers to not only shoot but also invest their post-production processes in the region.
Sameer Al Jaberi, chief executive of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, mentioned the global interest that followed the initial rebate increase to 35%. With the recent announcement, they anticipate even greater international attention. The commission’s efforts extend beyond economic benefits, also focusing on offering valuable training and learning opportunities for the local workforce, enhancing the emirate’s profile as an attractive place for film production.
By increasing its rebate to an impressive 50% for qualified production spending, Abu Dhabi is clearly positioning itself as a top choice for filmmakers worldwide. With its strategic enhancements and successful track record, the city is bound to draw a diverse array of cinematic projects in the coming years.
Source: Yahoo
