Abu Dhabi is doubling down on its efforts to become a premier production destination, unveiling a new incentive program offering up to 50% rebates on qualified production spend starting January. The enhanced rebate is designed to attract a broader range of international productions to the United Arab Emirates’ capital, building on its decade-long success as a hub for Hollywood and Bollywood filmmaking.
The Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) announced the update after raising its baseline rebate from 30% to over 35% in October. Now, productions meeting specific criteria can qualify for an additional 15%, bringing the total potential rebate to 50%.
New Criteria to Maximize Rebates
The additional rebate layers are tied to fulfilling cultural and production requirements that include:
– Incorporating UAE’s national history, culture, or identity into the storyline.
– Completing full post-production work in Abu Dhabi.
– Conducting principal photography of a feature film or shooting an entire TV series in Abu Dhabi.
These enhancements reflect Abu Dhabi’s strategic goal to not only attract more productions but also encourage projects that highlight the UAE’s cultural heritage and utilize local resources.
Higher Incentive Cap for International Productions
In addition to the increased rebate percentage, the total cap on cashback incentives has been raised from $5 million to $10 million per project. This expanded financial support aims to lure Hollywood, Bollywood, Arab, and other global productions to Abu Dhabi, opening the door to a more diverse slate of projects.
“I think the new rebate is going to open up a door for new industries to come and consider Abu Dhabi as a production destination,” said Mohamed Dobay, acting director general of Abu Dhabi’s Creative Media Authority. He emphasized the emirate’s intention to draw a variety of projects, including game shows, reality TV, animation, and shorts, alongside its well-established film and TV projects.
Global Buzz and Economic Impact
The global response to ADFC’s initial rebate increase to 35% has been overwhelmingly positive. “The team has since seen an exciting surge of interest from across the world, which will no doubt grow further with these additional layers of detail we are announcing now,” said Sameer Al Jaberi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Film Commission.
Al Jaberi also highlighted the economic and educational benefits of attracting international productions. “These productions not only stimulate Abu Dhabi’s economy but also provide world-class learning and training opportunities for local talent,” he added.
A Decade of Blockbuster Productions
Abu Dhabi has already earned its place as a major filming hub for global blockbusters. High-profile Hollywood projects shot in the emirate include *Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One*, *Star Wars: The Force Awakens*, *6 Underground*, and *Furious 7*. Bollywood has also embraced Abu Dhabi, with hits like *Vikram Vedha*, *Tiger Zinda Hai*, and *Bharat*.
Most recently, *Dune: Part Two* filmed in Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Oasis, which provided the iconic desert landscape of the planet Arrakis. The production spent nearly a month capturing scenes in the sprawling dunes, a testament to Abu Dhabi’s ability to accommodate large-scale, visually demanding projects.
Streamlining Global Productions
“With more than a decade of experience hosting global and regional major productions, the team at ADFC is well-versed in the nuances of film and TV production,” Al Jaberi noted. He emphasized the ease of doing business in Abu Dhabi, thanks to streamlined processes and top-tier facilities that make it a competitive choice for global filmmakers.
With its newly enhanced rebate program, Abu Dhabi is poised to solidify its position as a leading destination for film and TV production, offering both financial and creative incentives that few other locations can match.
