Abu Dhabi is attracting filmmakers from around the world with a cashback rebate of up to 50%, announced by the emirate’s Creative Media Authority and Film Commission. This enhanced rebate aims to boost international, regional, and local productions and applies to production and post-production costs.
Expanded Rebate Program Details
Starting January 1, 2025, the cashback rebate will increase from 35% to 50% for eligible productions, providing more financial incentives. It also includes new qualifying formats, higher financial caps, and a streamlined process to attract strategic investments into Abu Dhabi’s film and TV production industry.
The updated rebate program features:
- New Formats: Expanding to reality TV, game shows, short films, and animations in addition to existing categories like feature films, TV series, and commercials.
- Higher Financial Caps: For instance, feature films’ qualifying expenditure cap increases from $5 million to $10 million.
- Streamlined Process: The timeline for rebate funds has been shortened from 60 to 30 business days, ensuring faster payouts for production teams.
Eligibility Criteria
Production companies can qualify for the rebate by meeting specific requirements, including:
- Using Emirati actors and production talent.
- Highlighting Emirati culture, heritage, and identity.
- Completing full post-production work in Abu Dhabi.
- Filming feature films or full TV series within the emirate.
Additionally, a point-based system offers opportunities to maximize rebates:
- Productions scoring 10-14 points can receive an additional 2.5% on top of the baseline rebate.
- Scores above 85 points can gain a 15% uplift, bringing the total rebate to 50%.
For a detailed breakdown of criteria, visit film.gov.ae.
Economic and Cultural Impact
This rebate program is expected to attract global film studios, further supporting Abu Dhabi’s growing media sector, which includes over 800 local companies and 1,000 freelance professionals. Visiting production teams contribute to the economy through logistics, accommodation, and transportation, while promoting Abu Dhabi as a destination for tourism and culture.
Prominent films shot in Abu Dhabi include Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Furious 7, Dune, and Bollywood hits like Tiger Zinda Hai and Bharat.
Statement from Abu Dhabi Film Commission
Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, emphasized the program’s focus on promoting Emirati talent and storytelling:
“As an Emirati, it fills me with pride to see these incentives encourage local narratives created and told by Emiratis. This initiative will support our cultural legacy and elevate Emirati voices globally.”
Key Takeaways
Abu Dhabi’s improved rebate scheme aims to position the emirate as a global hub for media production, benefiting filmmakers, local talent, and the economy while showcasing Emirati culture to the world.
