The Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) is raising its film and TV cashback rebate from 30% to 35%, starting January 1, 2025. This move strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position in an increasingly competitive Middle Eastern market, particularly against Saudi Arabia, which introduced a 40% rebate in 2022.
In an official statement, Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of ADFC’s parent body, the Creative Media Authority, said the updated rebate is designed to further attract international producers and directors, positioning Abu Dhabi as a premier destination for global and regional film and TV productions.
“This enhanced rebate will help us bring more of Abu Dhabi to the world through content production, ensuring that we remain a top choice for international filmmakers,” Dobay noted.
A History of Luring Blockbuster Productions
Abu Dhabi was the first in the Gulf region to offer a cashback rebate back in 2013, and it has paid off in a big way. The emirate has hosted major global blockbusters such as Dune, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Fast & Furious 7, and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, alongside Bollywood hits like Tiger Zinda Hai and Dishoom.
“Since the launch of our rebate, more than 150 major productions have utilized this incentive,” said Sameer Al Jaberi, head of ADFC. “For every dirham paid through the scheme, more than three dirhams flow back into the economy, which shows the significant impact large-scale productions have on Abu Dhabi’s local economy.”
Abu Dhabi’s Growing Production Ecosystem
In recent years, Abu Dhabi has made significant strides in developing its film and TV infrastructure. The emirate now hosts over 800 media companies, with 300 of those specifically focused on production. Additionally, it boasts a 1000-strong freelancer talent pool, attracting global talent and creatives who are eager to train and work in the region.
The Golden Visa program, launched in 2019, has further bolstered the talent pool by offering long-term residence and benefits to international filmmakers, creatives, and students wishing to work or study in Abu Dhabi.
To accommodate the growing demand, the emirate’s twofour54 studios is constructing a new 100-acre media and entertainment facility, featuring 11 soundstages, an exterior water tank, and six standing sets, which are scheduled for completion in 2025. These state-of-the-art facilities will further Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a leading audiovisual hub in the region.
Looking Ahead
As the new 35% rebate approaches its January launch, ADFC is preparing to roll out additional details to its production industry database. Al Jaberi highlighted the importance of this rebate, not just for the financial boost it brings, but for the learning and training opportunities it offers to young creatives in the region, helping them become the nation’s storytellers of the future.
With an already robust film and TV ecosystem in place, Abu Dhabi’s strategic investments and incentives continue to solidify its standing as a global production hotspot, ready to attract large-scale projects for years to come.
