In a significant move to bolster its film industry, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC), part of the Creative Media Authority (CMA), has announced an increase in its production rebate from 30% to a starting rate of 35%. This enhancement, effective from January 1, 2025, is aimed at attracting more strategic investments in the emirate’s film and television production sector.
The initiative seeks to draw more productions from Hollywood, Bollywood, and the Arab world, thereby stimulating the local economy through increased activity in transport, logistics, and accommodation. The initiative will also serve to promote Abu Dhabi as a prime filming destination, supporting sectors like tourism.
Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of CMA, remarked, “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.”
He further explained that this enhancement is the first step in a comprehensive review aimed at making the creative industry more appealing, highlighting the sector’s vital contribution to the regional economy.
Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of ADFC, noted the success of the rebate scheme since its inception in 2013, stating, “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 flow 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 initiative aims to enhance an already robust ecosystem that comprises over 800 media companies and a talent pool of 1,000 freelancers, as well as young individuals seeking training and internship opportunities.