Abu Dhabi Boosts Film Industry with New Incentives
Abu Dhabi Increases Incentives to Attract More Film and TV Productions
The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, is increasingly focusing its attention on the international film and television industry. In recent years, the emirate has sought to attract global productions with ambitious plans and generous financial incentives, and is now taking further steps to become even more appealing to the creative industry. Abu Dhabi has introduced new incentives specifically for filmmakers and TV productions, further boosting interest in the region.
Why is Abu Dhabi Attractive to Filmmakers?
Abu Dhabi has previously attracted the interest of international film studios through successful productions such as "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and "Fast & Furious 7." The emirate's diverse landscapes, modern cityscape, and advanced infrastructure offer an ideal location for various films and series. Additionally, local authorities demonstrate great flexibility in issuing filming permits, further enhancing Abu Dhabi's appeal.
The 30% cash rebate introduced by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) for film and TV productions provides significant cost savings. This rebate can cover local production costs, including location rentals, employment of local workforce, technical equipment, and post-production expenses. The new incentives expand and enhance this incentive system.
The Aim of the New Incentives
The new incentives aim to attract even more international productions to choose Abu Dhabi as a filming location, as boosting the film and television industry positively impacts tourism and creates new jobs for the local population. The ADFC wants to ensure the region's presence on the international film map with the new incentive system and encourages studios to view it as a long-term partner, not just for one-off projects.
The new incentives cover post-production, particularly visual effects (VFX) and CGI technologies, which play an increasingly significant role in modern filmmaking. With this, Abu Dhabi offers a competitive alternative for studios throughout the entire production process, not just during filming. As an additional incentive, the ADFC has developed a program to support young film talents, facilitating local experts' participation in international projects.
Opening to the Global Market
Attracting global productions to Abu Dhabi not only strengthens the local film industry but also provides significant promotion for the entire region. Iconic locations featured in international films, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi or the city's modern skyscrapers, inspire tourists to discover the emirate's beauty in person.
The new incentives clearly indicate that Abu Dhabi is serious in its bid to become a prominent hub in the global film and television industry. The emirate recognizes the tremendous opportunities presented by the global growth of digital content consumption and the rising demand for streaming services, allowing the region to share in this expanding market.
Competition with Dubai?
While Abu Dhabi is making significant investments in the film industry, Dubai's role cannot be overlooked. Dubai is also an attractive destination for filmmakers, particularly due to its futuristic cityscapes and impressive modern architecture. However, the competition between the two emirates is more of a healthy rivalry, which overall only further enhances the United Arab Emirates' appeal to the creative industry.
Conclusion
Abu Dhabi seeks to make itself more attractive to the global film and television industry with new incentives and facilities, and this strategy promises substantial results. The emirate's diverse landscapes, modern infrastructure, and generous financial support all contribute to more international productions choosing Abu Dhabi. The new incentives not only stimulate the local economy but also contribute to the long-term global competitiveness of the United Arab Emirates' creative industry.
