Abu Dhabi’s Blockbuster Boost: New 50% Film Rebate Set to Attract Global Productions

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Big name stars from Bollywood and Hollywood have long had a soft spot for Abu Dhabi. There is now much more to enjoy in the city. Starting on January 1, 2025, filmmakers will be able to recover 50% of their production and post-production costs. That's right, half the cost of making incredible movies in one of the world's most beautiful and versatile locations.

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This exciting update, announced by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC), takes the already attractive rebate program to the next level. It started at 30% in 2013, then grew to 35%, and now with 50%, Abu Dhabi is welcoming all kinds of projects, from feature films to reality TV and animation.

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What’s Behind the Rebate Boom?

The updated rebate program isn’t just about attracting big-budget blockbusters; it’s about strengthening Abu Dhabi’s film and TV ecosystem. While feature-length productions like Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning – Part One have already brought their clapperboards to the UAE, the expanded system will now cater to:

• Reality TV shows
• Short films
• Game shows
• Animated media
• Regional and local productions

The aim? To drive strategic investment into Abu Dhabi’s creative industries, bolster Emirati talent, and safeguard the region’s cultural heritage.

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How Does It Work?

The rebate system is points-based and designed to reward productions that align with Abu Dhabi’s priorities. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Productions scoring 10 to 14 points receive an extra 2.5% rebate on top of the base 35%.
• Productions that score 85 points or more can earn an additional rebate of up to 15%, maxing out the total rebate at 50%.

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How do productions rack up points? By doing things like:

• Highlighting UAE culture, history, and identity.
• Using Emirati talent both in front of and behind the camera.
• Completing post-production entirely in Abu Dhabi.
• Filming a whole TV series or major parts of feature films in the UAE capital.

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Bigger Budgets, Streamlined Timelines

The financial incentives don’t stop at rebates. The new initiative also:

• Doubles the cap on Abu Dhabi Qualifying Production Expenditure (ADQPE) from $5 million to $10 million for qualifying feature films.
• Streamlines rebate timelines by reducing payout delays from 60 business days to 30 business days after the final certificate is issued.
• Extends interim certificate validity from 60 days to 90 days, giving productions more flexibility to start filming.

With an additional discretionary window of 120 days, producers have even more breathing room to bring their projects to life.

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Boosting Emirati Talent

Abu Dhabi's new rebate aims to develop domestic talent as much as attract foreign studios. Additional assistance will be provided to productions with Emirati directors, writers, and stunt coordinators. Projects that honor Emirati tradition, culture, and values are also prioritized in order to make sure that the UAE's identity is shown clearly on the international scene.

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Why Abu Dhabi Is the Ultimate Filming Destination

Abu Dhabi has something for every filmmaker, from its modern architecture to its breathtaking desert surroundings. And it's no surprise that the city remains a top production location for international studios given that it now has one of the most attractive rebate schemes in the world.

The October 35% rebate rise sparked an amazing global response. Abu Dhabi is now expected to surge even higher on the international production scene thanks to the new 50% incentive. Abu Dhabi is now the ideal location for your next major film, whether you're working on an animated adventure, a passionate drama, or an action-packed blockbuster.

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Lights, Camera, Action!

The message is simple: Abu Dhabi is ready for creativity. There has never been a better moment to make your film a reality in the UAE capital thanks to fantastic financial incentives, robust local assistance, and a simple process.So, are you ready to start filming?

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