The Abu Dhabi Film Commission is enhancing its efforts to attract more film and TV productions by increasing its rebate offering to up to 50% of qualified production spend, starting in January. This update follows an earlier announcement in October, where the rebate was raised from 30% to 35%. To reach the full 50%, productions must meet specific criteria, such as highlighting UAE national history and culture, completing post-production work in Abu Dhabi, and filming key scenes in the emirate.
In addition, the total rebate cap has been raised from $5 million to $10 million for qualifying productions. The aim of these changes is to bring in a broader range of productions, including game shows, reality shows, animation, and various types of shorts, alongside the more typical feature films, TV series, and commercials.
Abu Dhabi has already become a key hub for both Hollywood and Bollywood productions, with films like “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” and “Furious 7” having been shot in the region. Recent films like “Dune: Part Two” have also filmed key scenes in Abu Dhabi, particularly in the desert landscapes of the Liwa Oasis.
These new incentives are expected to not only boost the economy but also provide valuable training and development opportunities for the local workforce, fostering long-term growth for the region’s creative media sector.