This new rebate system is based off global best practices and aims to attract international producers and directors from all over the world to the emirate.
Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC), a part Abu Dhabi’s Creative Media Authority (CMA), is increasing the current rebate offering from 30% to starting at 35%++ for all qualified productions who apply from January 1, 2025. The initiative seeks to grow strengthen and attract strategic investment in the film and TV production industry. AFC made the announcement at the ongoing Mipcom.
Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of Creative Media Authority said: “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 prioneer 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.”
Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission added: “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 flows 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.”
This new development in Abu Dhabi is set to fuel an already extensive ecosystem. The significantly enhanced financial rebate will benefit more than 800 locally-based media companies (more than 300 of whom are production specific), the 1000-strong freelancer talent pool, young individuals looking for training and internship opportunities and the new golden visa programme, all of which complement the new, state-of-the-art production facilities, twofour54 Studios.
Attending MIPCOM until 24 October, the CMA team has a large presence in Cannes and is showcasing Abu Dhabi’s incredible variety of locations. Travelling with CMA, ADFC and twofour54 are 14 production industry partners who will further enhance the offering at the event, bridging the gap between public and private sector offering on an international stage.
