UAE is a big draw for film-makers, TV producers

Dubai mulling rebate system similar to Abu Dhabi to encourage more media production in the city.

The UAE has emerged as the ideal location for film-makers from both the East and the West looking to cut down production costs and paperwork also offering ease of access, world class infrastructure and world famous attractions. A number of movies, both Hollywood and Bollywood films such as Mission Impossible, Star Wars VII, Fast and Furious 7, and Bollywood movie Bang, have been filmed in the UAE over the past few years.

Abu Dhabi, whose movie sector is overseen by the Abu-Dhabi Film commission (ADFC), has a rebate system that offers up to 30 per cent payback for film-makers. Dubai is also discussing such a move.

According to estimates, the two emirates have witnessed good returns from film shooting.  The cast and crew of films shot in the UAE also generate additional revenue booking tickets in the airlines, staying in its hotels and visiting tourist attractions. Audiences also are keen to visit the stunningly filmed scenic locations.  While it contributes to the growth of the media industry, the local talent gets valuable experience by interacting with these film-makers. Dubai, which was one of locations for Syriana (2005), and Mission Impossible 4 (2011) and 14 foreign movies — mainly from Bollywood in 2014 — including Happy New Year, is studying a rebate system to attract more film makers to the emirate, a film commission official said.

Dubai, which was one of locations for Syriana (2005), and Mission Impossible 4 (2011) and 14 foreign movies — mainly from Bollywood in 2014 — including Happy New Year, is studying a rebate system to attract more film makers to the emirate, a film commission official said.