As part of this integrated approach, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission has signed strategic partnership agreements with more than 10 Arab studios and production companies to produce 17 Arabic language film and television works annually over the next five years.
The Creative Media Authority (CMA) has marked World Arabic Language Day by underscoring its ongoing efforts to strengthen the presence of the Arabic language across Abu Dhabi’s creative and media industries, in line with the UAE’s broader vision to preserve Arabic as a core pillar of cultural identity and creative expression.
CMA said it continues to roll out programmes, initiatives and incentives designed to support Arabic-language content and empower Arabic-speaking talent, ensuring the language remains central to creative production locally while reaching audiences on global platforms. Through its integrated ecosystem, which includes the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, Creative Lab and Arab Film Studio, the authority is building a sustainable pipeline of Arabic creative talent across film, television and wider media sectors.
As part of this strategy, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission has entered into strategic partnerships with more than 10 Arab studios and production companies. These agreements will result in the production of 17 Arabic-language film and television projects each year over the next five years, alongside 14 specialised workshops and 28 hands-on training opportunities aimed at developing emerging Arab creatives across multiple stages of production.
CMA’s talent development arm, Creative Lab, has also delivered a series of Arabic-language workshops and training programmes focused on strengthening professional skills across media career pathways, as well as storytelling initiatives designed for school students. Meanwhile, Arab Film Studio has produced 194 films to date, with more than 145 of them created in Arabic, accounting for 75% of its total output. This year also saw the launch of a dedicated Arabic-language edition of the Winter Media Camp in the Al Ain Region, expanding early learning opportunities for young Arabic speakers.
Mohamed Dobay, CMA Acting Director General, said: “The Arabic language is a fundamental pillar of our national identity and a vital element in sustaining Arab cultural narratives across the local and global screens. At the Creative Media Authority, we remain committed to developing initiatives, strengthening partnerships and launching programmes that support the national vision to preserve the Arabic language and reinforce its presence for future generations.”
Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, added: “Arabic language productions are an essential part of Abu Dhabi’s creative landscape. Through an enabling ecosystem that combines incentives, simplified processes, advanced infrastructure and diverse filming locations, we have empowered filmmakers from across the region to tell their stories in Arabic and reach audiences locally and internationally. Abu Dhabi continues to attract Arab studios and production companies seeking an integrated and sustainable creative environment that supports Arabic talent across all areas of production.”
Aysha Al Jneibi, Director of Talent Management, spoke of how empowering Arabic speaking talent is central to programmes at the Creative Media Authority, and stated: “Through initiatives led by Creative Lab and Arab Film Studio, we provide structured pathways that enable young Arab creatives to acquire the skills, knowledge and experience required to master Arabic storytelling with professionalism and confidence. Our work ensures that the next generation of creatives is equipped to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the industry.”
CMA reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the status of the Arabic language across the creative media sector, as Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a leading destination for Arab productions and creative talent, shaping a future that reflects the UAE’s cultural depth and values.
