Abu Dhabi's Creative Media Authority (CMA) has signed a landmark partnership with leading Emirati production house FilmGate, committing to at least 15 film and TV productions in Abu Dhabi over the next five years — with at least half of all production crew hired locally through CMA's creative program.
Abu Dhabi and FilmGate: What the Deal Covers
The agreement is designed to increase the volume of content produced in the capital while supporting Arab and Emirati storytelling. Under the terms of the partnership, FilmGate must source a minimum of 50% of its production talent from CMA's registered ecosystem, directly channelling work to freelancers and professionals already engaged with the authority.
The deal goes beyond a simple output commitment. FilmGate will also run annual workshops on specialised production topics and provide four six-month paid internships each year for young Emirati creatives — with the explicit goal of opening doors to permanent employment in film and media.
CMA's Vision for a Global Content Hub
Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director-General of CMA, explained the rationale: "Establishing partnerships with local and regional production leaders is key to our industry development strategy to make Abu Dhabi a global content hub."
Dobay has been clear that the CMA's ambition extends beyond attracting Hollywood or Bollywood titles to Abu Dhabi. The authority wants to grow local, Arabic content from within — and building real workplace pipelines for young Emiratis is central to that strategy.
FilmGate: An Award-Winning Emirati Production House
FilmGate was founded by acclaimed Emirati filmmaker Mansoor Al Yahbouni Al Dhaheri, whose track record includes multiple award-winning projects. Notable productions include Little Sparta (2016), The Platform (three seasons), Swim 62 (2023), and The Misfits (2021). Al Dhaheri's films have screened at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the Dubai International Film Festival, and the Gulf Film Festival.
For Al Dhaheri, the CMA alliance arrives at a pivotal moment. "It is a significant year for Abu Dhabi with the new rebate for production starting January 1 and a partnership of this nature with CMA will allow us to maximise all that Abu Dhabi offers in terms of locations, infrastructure, talent and financial support," he said.
Abu Dhabi's Production Rebate: Up to 50% Cashback
The production rebate Al Dhaheri referenced is a major incentive for the UAE film industry. The Abu Dhabi Film Commission's scheme offers 35% to 50% cashback on qualifying production and post-production spending, effective from January 1. That level of financial support makes Abu Dhabi one of the most competitive filming destinations in the region.
Building the UAE Film Industry From the Ground Up
The CMA describes the FilmGate deal as one of several partnerships it is establishing to provide broader stimulus across Abu Dhabi's creative industries — with the production sector identified as a key pillar. By combining output targets, local hiring requirements, training programmes, and the production rebate, the authority is building a sustainable ecosystem rather than simply counting titles.
The partnership signals Abu Dhabi's intent to position itself not just as a location for international shoots, but as a home for original Arab content that travels globally.
