The incentive will allow productions to film parts of their projects in neighbouring Arab countries while still remaining eligible for the programme.
The Film Committee at Media City Qatar (Film Committee), chaired by H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, has announced the launch of the Qatar Screen Production Incentive (QSPI) programme – an initiative designed to position Qatar as a global destination for film, television and screen content production. The incentive marks a major step in the country’s strategy to build a world-class, globally connected creative economy.
The QSPI offers productions up to a 50% cash rebate on qualifying expenditure in Qatar. The structure includes a base 40% rebate, with an additional uplift of up to 10% for projects that contribute to industry development by hiring Qatari talent, investing in local training or highlighting the nation’s culture. The programme is also designed with regional flexibility, allowing productions to shoot selected portions in neighbouring Arab countries. Where up to 25% of a project’s qualifying costs are incurred in a designated regional partner country, those expenses can also be rebated.
The initiative forms a key part of the Film Committee’s long-term vision to develop a sustainable, data-driven production ecosystem rooted in the Middle East and North Africa while strengthening ties with the Global South. The launch was accompanied by major announcements from international partners including Sony Pictures, NEON, Miramax, Parrot Analytics and Company 3, each revealing plans to establish new regional operations in Doha as part of the Film Committee’s Industry Days.
H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Chairman of the Film Committee, said: “The launch of the Qatar Screen Production Incentive Programme reflects our long-term commitment to developing a creative economy that blends cultural authenticity with global ambition. Qatar is open for business to filmmakers and storytellers in the country, the region, the Global South and the rest of the world. We are offering infrastructure, talent, and incentives to bring extraordinary stories to life.
“This project will complement what already exists. We will listen to the industry needs and develop a robust and transparent rebate programme which best serves it. Our ambition is to build an environment where the best local and regional talent can be developed, to produce authentic stories that reflect our culture with audiences worldwide.”
Designed to accommodate productions of all sizes and formats, the QSPI covers feature films, television series, commercials and post-production or VFX work. Eligible expenses include goods, services and labour sourced both locally and internationally. The programme aims not only to attract major global productions but also to ensure that Qatari and regional creators benefit equally, with capacity-building and industry training prioritised alongside financial incentives.
Applications for the QSPI will open in Q2 2026, with comprehensive guidelines to be released by the Film Committee at Media City Qatar. The initiative is expected to drive significant growth in Qatar’s film and television sector, contributing to economic diversification and supporting the country’s broader development goals under Qatar National Vision 2030.
The programme was developed with support from international consultancy Olsberg SPI, ensuring that the incentive aligns with global best practice and delivers maximum benefit to Qatar’s emerging screen sector.
