Abu Dhabi is aiming to become a leading destination for global film and television production with an enhanced rebate program that could save studios up to $10 million per project.
The Abu Dhabi Film Commission has increased its production rebate from 30% to 35%, effective since October, as it competes with neighboring Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Starting January 1, rebates could climb to as much as 50%, depending on a sliding-scale points system and specific criteria.
Sameer Al Jaberi, head of the Commission, revealed that major studios such as Legendary Entertainment, Lionsgate, and Netflix have shown strong interest in the updated incentives. “With the increased rebate, we’re confident more productions will choose Abu Dhabi,” he said.
The updated guidelines prioritize the involvement of Emirati talent, including actors, directors, writers, and other creative professionals. Productions featuring Emirati heritage, culture, and values are also eligible for additional rebates.
The rebate covers various production expenses incurred in Abu Dhabi, such as catering, equipment rental, set construction, filming costs, travel, and post-production services.
Nayla Al Khaja, an Emirati screenwriter and director currently working on her fantasy horror project Baab, described the initiative as a “bold step forward” for the local film sector. “This move not only supports Emirati creative talent but also helps share our stories authentically with global audiences,” she said.
The rebate cap for TV productions has doubled from $1 million to $2 million, while feature films can now claim up to $10 million, doubling the previous limit.
Khalid Khouri, Industry Development Director at Creative Media Authority Abu Dhabi, said the increased rebate is already attracting significant attention. “We expect a notable rise in the number of productions choosing Abu Dhabi as their filming hub.”
Since the rebate initiative launched in 2013, Abu Dhabi has hosted over 170 major productions, including Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Dune, and Fast & Furious 7.
The enhanced rebate program positions Abu Dhabi as a competitive force in the global entertainment industry, offering both financial incentives and cultural authenticity to attract top-tier productions.
