Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) part of Abu Dhabi’s Creative Media Authority (CMA), has announced an enhancement of the current rebate offering from 30 per cent, to starting at 35 per cent for all qualified productions that apply from 1 January 2025. The development aims to continue to grow, strengthen and attract strategic investment in the film and television production industry in the emirate.
The initiative also aims to entice further production from Hollywood, Bollywood and the Arab world to shoot in Abu Dhabi, enhancing the local economy through transport, logistics and accommodation, as well as showcasing opportunities for the destination and supporting several sectors, including tourism.
Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of CMA, 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 pioneer 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 enhancement 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.”
Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of ADFC, said: “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.”
The new development also seeks to enhance an already extensive ecosystem, which includes more than 800 locally-based media companies, 1,000 freelancer talent pool, and young individuals looking for training and internship opportunities.
