Strengthening Global and Local Industry Collaboration
Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC), a part of the Creative Media Authority (CMA), has unveiled significant updates to its renowned film and TV production rebate scheme. The revised system, effective from 1 January 2025, includes an increased baseline rebate from 30% to 35% and introduces new tiers offering up to 50% cashback for qualifying productions.
A Game-Changer for Global Productions
The updated rebate system, based on a comprehensive points scale, offers substantial financial incentives. Productions earning between 10–14 points will benefit from a 2.5% uplift on top of the baseline rebate, while those scoring 85 points or more will unlock the maximum uplift of 15%, bringing the total potential rebate to 50%.
Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of CMA, stated: “These improvements reinforce Abu Dhabi’s status as a leading hub for international film and TV production. By refining our rebate system, we aim to attract new productions, foster existing partnerships, and contribute to our thriving creative ecosystem.”
The points system evaluates productions based on a range of criteria, including incorporating UAE culture and heritage into content, completing primary production or post-production in Abu Dhabi, and ensuring high engagement with local talent. These measures aim to amplify Abu Dhabi’s visibility on the global stage while supporting its cultural narrative.
Expanded Format Eligibility
From January 2025, additional production formats such as reality TV, game shows, short films, and animations will qualify for rebates. These additions build upon the existing eligible formats, which include feature films, TV series, and commercials. This development highlights Abu Dhabi’s dedication to supporting a wide range of creative endeavours.
Increased Financial Caps
To further entice global filmmakers, ADFC has significantly raised the financial caps on qualifying expenditures. For instance, feature films can now claim up to $10 million in Abu Dhabi Qualifying Production Expenditure (ADQPE), doubling the previous $5 million limit. This increase opens the door for larger, more ambitious productions to choose Abu Dhabi as their base.
Streamlined Processes for Greater Efficiency
The enhanced rebate system introduces several process improvements designed to make the application and payout smoother for production teams. Interim certificate validity has been extended from 60 to 90 days, with an optional discretionary extension of 120 days. Furthermore, the payout timeline after final certificate approval has been reduced to just 30 business days, half the previous duration.
Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of ADFC, remarked: “The increase to 35%++ has already generated substantial interest. These additional measures will further cement Abu Dhabi as a go-to location for major productions.”
Economic and Creative Ecosystem Impact
Research underscores the economic impact of the rebate programme, revealing that for every dirham paid out, more than three dirhams flow back into the local economy. Over 800 local media companies and a talent pool exceeding 1,000 freelancers stand to benefit from the initiative.
Furthermore, the enhanced rebate will provide budding talent with unique training and internship opportunities, bridging the gap between local expertise and global production standards. Abu Dhabi’s golden visa programme also incentivises talented professionals to contribute to the emirate’s flourishing creative industry.
A Decade of Success and a Promising Future
Since its inception in 2013, ADFC’s rebate scheme has supported over 170 major productions, including global hits like Dune and Mission: Impossible – Fallout. The new enhancements will undoubtedly attract more world-class projects, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as a top-tier destination for film and TV production.
