Gulf Film & TV Incentives Scene Heats Up As Abu Dhabi Increases Rebate To 35%

deadline.com:

The Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) is set to increase its film and TV cashback rebate to 35%, from 30%, as of January 1, 2025.

The bolstering of the rebate comes amid growing competition from other territories in the region, notably Saudi Arabia which launched a 40% cash rebate in 2022. “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,” said Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of the ADFC’s parent body, the Creative Media Authority. “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,” he added.

The largest of the seven emirates making up the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi was the first territory in the Gulf region to offer a cashback rebate in 2013.

Productions lured in by the rebate include U.S. blockbusters Dune, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Fast & Furious 7, and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One as well as Bollywood hits such as Tiger Zinda Hai and Dishoom. “Since launching our rebate scheme in 2013, more than 150 major productions have benefited from the offering,” said ADFC head Sameer Al Jaberi. “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.