• Abu Dhabi Film Commission part of the Creative Media Authority have announced a significant rebate update to the world’s film production industry which is set to fuel further international interest in shooting from the Emirate

• Unveiled at the leading b2b event, MIPCOM, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission will increase their cashback rebate for qualifying productions from 1 January 2025

• Abu Dhabi was the first destination within the region to offer a cashback rebate and have supported more than 150 major productions since its inception in 2013.

• An increase in the rebate will not only support inmarket production and postproduction but will also benefit those in the wider ecosystem from private sector business to local young filmmakers

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 22 October 2024: Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) part Abu Dhabi’s Creative Media Authority (CMA), today announced a key development which will continue to grow strengthen and attract strategic investment in the film and TV production industry.

ADFC is increasing the current rebate offering from 30% to starting at 35%++. For all qualified productions who apply from 1 January 2025, this will entice further production from Hollywood, Bollywood and the Arab world to shoot in Abu Dhabi. Hosting blockbuster production shoots not only significantly contributes to the local economy through transport, logistics and accommodation, but leads to unbeatable showcasing opportunities for the destination, which in turn contributes to several sectors including tourism.

Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of Creative Media Authority said: “The importance of the film and production industry continues to grow under the vision and guidance of our wise leadership. We are proud to have been the first destination to offer a rebate scheme and are a regional prioneer with a proven track record. The updated financial rebate support will ensure we continue attracting international producers and directors from all over the world and become known as a leading destination for film and TV production both globally and regionally. This new rebate system is based off global best practice and will ensure we bring more of Abu Dhabi to the world through individual content consumption”.

This is the first development resulting from of a comprehensive review and enhancment across all of the creative industry verticals to ensure an even more attractive offering for a thriving industry in Abu Dhabi; an industry which actively contriubutes to the economy of the region.” Continued Dobay.

Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission added: “Since launching our rebate scheme in 2013, more than 150 major productions have benefited from the offering. This generates a huge impact on our economy as independently verified research shows that for every dirham paid through the scheme, more than three dirhams flows back into the economy through hosting large scale productions in the Emirate. Alongside the financial stimulus into the economy, visiting productions provide a tremendous learning and training opportunity for young creatives who are the nation’s storytellers of the future, this focus ensures a strong self sustaining industry. As we near the release of the rebate on 1 January 2025, further information will be shared in the lead up with our existing production industry database.”

This new development in Abu Dhabi is set to fuel an already extensive ecosystem, as a significantly enhanced rebate financial benefits, more than 800 locally-based media companies (more than 300 of whom are production specific) the 1000-strong freelancer talent pool, young individuals looking for training and internship opportunities and the new golden visa programme, all of which complement the new, state-of-the-art production facilities called “twofour54 Studios”.

Attending MIPCOM until 24 October, the team has a large presence in Cannes and is showcasing Abu Dhabi’s incredible variety of locations, which are accessed through a safe and welcoming environment, to the world’s production leaders. Travelling with CMA, ADFC and twofour54 are 14 production industry partners who will further enhance the offering at the event, bridging the gap between public and private sector offering on an international stage.