Gulf Film & TV Incentives Scene Heats Up As Abu Dhabi Increases Rebate To 35%

The Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) is set to increase its film and TV cashback rebate to 35%, from 30%, as of January 1, 2025.

The bolstering of the rebate comes amid growing competition from other territories in the region, notably Saudi Arabia which launched a 40% cash rebate in 2022.

“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,” said Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of the ADFC’s parent body, the Creative Media Authority.

“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,” he added.

The largest of the seven emirates making up the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi was the first territory in the Gulf region to offer a cashback rebate in 2013.

Productions lured in by the rebate include U.S. blockbusters Dune, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Fast & Furious 7, and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One as well as Bollywood hits such as Tiger Zinda Hai and Dishoom.

“Since launching our rebate scheme in 2013, more than 150 major productions have benefited from the offering,” said ADFC head Sameer Al Jaberi.

“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.

Abu Dhabi has built up a substantial film and TV ecosystem over the past decade in its drive to become an audiovisual hub for the region.

More than 800 media companies are based in the emirate, 300 of which are production specific. The hub is also home to a 1000-strong freelancer talent pool as well as individuals looking for training and internship opportunities.

A Golden Visa scheme begun in 2019 and offering long-term residence with benefits for international talents wanting to work or study in the emirate is helping to grow this pool.

Abu Dhabi’s twofour54 studios media and entertainment company is currently in the process of building state-of-the-art studio facilities, spanning over 100 acres and include 11 soundstages, an exterior water tank, and six versatile standing sets, which is due for completion in 2025.

“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,” added Al Jaberi.

“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.”