Abu Dhabi Signs Major Deal with FilmGate to Produce 15 UAE-Based Film Projects

As part of its plan to boost the UAE film industry, the Abu Dhabi’s Creative Media Authority (CMA) has partnered with the leading Emirati production house, FilmGate. The agreement hopes to finish 15 film and TV productions in Abu Dhabi in the upcoming five years, offering jobs to at least half of the crew locally through CMA’s creative program.

The partnership aims to help produce more content in the capital and to give helpful support to storytelling by Emiratis and Arabs. Training and development here cover many areas, giving access to coaching programs, on-the-job training and many other opportunities for learning.

Workshops every year on particular aspects of manufacturing.

Providing four paid internships every year to young Emirati creatives

Ways to find well-paying jobs in film and media for a long time.

Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director-General of CMA, touched on the purpose of the initiative which is to ensure Abu Dhabi gains not only Hollywood and Bollywood titles, but also grows its local, Arabic content.

Backing local content and setting up real workplace experiences for young people, this team helps the whole film ecosystem, as Dobay noted.

Mansoor Al Yahbouni Al Dhaheri, winner of numerous awards, has launched FilmGate. The Abu Dhabi Film Commission’s new production rebate now offers 35% to 50% cashback to any qualifying projects filmed in Abu Dhabi.

Some of the notable titles produced by FilmGate in the past are Little Sparta (2016), The Platform (3 seasons), Swim 62 (2023) and The Misfits (2021).

Al Dhaheri sees the alliance as a major breakthrough for the regional industry. Because of Abu Dhabi’s great facilities, many filming destinations and incentives, we have an ideal chance to reach audiences worldwide.

With this deal, CMA is taking another step to encourage Abu Dhabi’s creative economy and turn it into a leading media center.