Discussions centred on talent development, infrastructure expansion, regulatory frameworks and increasing Dubai’s visibility as a preferred filming destination.
The Dubai Films and Games Commission, the newly established entity under the Dubai Media Council’s expanded mandate, hosted a media retreat to outline a strategic roadmap for the emirate’s film sector. The event brought together global production companies, industry experts and key stakeholders to discuss initiatives aimed at positioning Dubai as a leading hub for filmmaking.
The gathering focused on strategies to attract major productions, enhance Dubai’s global visibility in the film industry and strengthen its infrastructure for international filmmaking. Discussions covered essential aspects such as talent development, market expansion, regulatory frameworks and industry sustainability.
Held in the presence of Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, the retreat also welcomed filmmakers, academics and representatives from government, semi-government and private sector organisations.
As the regulatory body overseeing the film and gaming sectors, the Commission aims to establish a strategic framework through collaborative industry engagement. The retreat, hosted at Cinema Akil at 25hours Hotel in Dubai, provided a platform for industry leaders to propose innovative solutions that will drive the sector’s future growth.
Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, said: “This retreat sets the stage for working towards Dubai’s long-term vision for the film industry, as outlined by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. By bringing together key stakeholders, the event sought to discover new approaches that can transform the sector against the backdrop of the evolving global landscape, aligned with our commitment to fostering a world-class media ecosystem. It also examined fresh approaches on creating a hub for globally competitive films, leveraging Dubai’s unique strengths to attract major productions. The outcomes of the retreat will inform the Commission’s strategic agenda, ensuring Dubai remains at the forefront of innovation in the international film industry.”
Her Excellency Nehal Badri, Secretary General of the Dubai Media Council, added: “The council is responsible for creating an optimal environment that supports both local and international film production companies, while providing the incentives needed to attract major productions to Dubai. By providing filmmakers and production houses from across the world with progressive policies, robust infrastructure, and access to a rich talent pool, we seek to make Dubai a unique centre for cinematic excellence. This retreat provided us with invaluable insights to shape policies that empower industry professionals, enhance production capabilities, and attract high-budget productions. The perspectives generated at the event support our efforts to foster innovation, drive investment, and strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a leading global destination for content creation.”
Hesham Al Olama, Director of Strategy and Performance Management, Dubai Media Council, stated the retreat reaffirms the Council’s commitment to embracing innovative ideas that can create new value in the industry and further strengthen Dubai’s position as a global leader in media and entertainment. “The retreat provided a valuable platform to examine the evolving dynamics of the global film industry and how Dubai can further strengthen its position as a leading production hub. The event generated new ideas for accelerating local content creation, boosting industry competitiveness, and attracting high-profile international productions. The dialogue also touched on the importance of deepening collaborations with major studios and acclaimed filmmakers, fostering an ecosystem that supports large-scale productions. Further, the discussions highlighted the transformative role of emerging technologies and advanced post-production services, reinforcing Dubai’s ambitions to lead filmmaking innovation on a global scale.”
A key focus of the discussions was the development of local talent and training programmes to nurture creative professionals. With a growing demand for skilled expertise, industry leaders explored strategies to create a sustainable talent pipeline and attract international specialists.
The Commission also examined ways to refine regulatory processes to facilitate production, streamline international collaborations, and provide filmmakers with the necessary support to bring their creative visions to life. Participants explored opportunities to enhance the production of local content and expand its reach on global platforms through partnerships with international distributors and digital streaming services.
