Media & Advertising

Abu Dhabi raises TV and film rebate to lure studios

December 30, 2024, 12:44 PM

More than 170 productions have been shot in Abu Dhabi since 2013, among them films from the hit franchises Star Wars, Dune and Mission: Impossible

50% new maximum rebate
$10m saving possible
Emirati talent and content focus

Abu Dhabi is hoping to attract the best of Hollywood, Bollywood and the Arab world to the emirate via an increased TV and film rebate that could save studios as much as $10 million on each production.

Abu Dhabi Film Commission increased its refund for productions from 30 percent to 35 percent in October as it battles local competition from neighbouring Dubai and Saudi Arabia to become a destination of choice for film and television production, both globally and regionally.

From January 1 the rebate can be increased further to as much as 50 percent, based on a set of criteria and sliding-scale points system.

The move is already proving popular with the industry, according to Sameer Al Jaberi, head of the Commission, who has built relationships with major studios including Legendary Entertainment, Lionsgate and Netflix.

“We’ve already been talking to them, so definitely with the increase in rebate they’re going to come for more,” he said.

The new guidelines prioritise the use of Emirati actors and production talent including directors, writers and other film-related roles to increase financial rebates.

Additional support will also be awarded to producers who deliver content containing Emirati heritage, culture and ethos.

The rebate covers expenses incurred for goods and services supplied in Abu Dhabi for the production. These include catering, equipment rental, set construction, filming costs, extras, travel within Abu Dhabi and post-production services.

Nayla Al Khaja, an Emirati film screenwriter, producer and director who is busy in pre-production for her upcoming project Baab, a fantasy horror, described the move as a “great step forward” for the local film sector.

“It’s a bold move that will definitely make a difference for the industry here. Encouraging the use of Emirati talent and incorporating local culture into projects is such a smart way to not only support the local creative community but also to tell our stories to the world in a more authentic way,” Al Khaja said.

The cap for TV programmes has been doubled from $1 million to $2 million. Feature films, which previously carried a maximum cash back of $5 million have also seen that double to as much as $10 million.

“We’ve seen a lot of interest,” said Khalid Khouri, industry development director at Creative Media Authority, Abu Dhabi “The number of productions will definitely increase.”

Since the rebate initiative was launched in 2013, Abu Dhabi has hosted more than 170 shoots. Among them have been some of the top-grossing films worldwide: Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Dune and Dune: Part Two and Fast And Furious 7.

“Beyond the financial benefits, it positions the UAE as a serious player in the global film industry, and that’s incredibly inspiring,” said Al Khaja.