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UAE (Abu Dhabi) Film Incentive

Rate

35-50% cash rebate

Credit Type

Cash Rebate

Min. Spend

Varies

Cap

None specified

Project Cap

None specified

Budget Template

Browse All

What Films Were Shot in UAE (Abu Dhabi)?

UAE (Abu Dhabi) has attracted major film and television productions with its 35-50% cash rebate cash rebate. Notable productions filmed in UAE (Abu Dhabi) include Underground, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Fast & Furious.

Underground
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Fast & Furious
Underground
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Fast & Furious

Filming in UAE (Abu Dhabi)

Behind the scenes of productions shot on location across Winnipeg and Manitoba.

Behind the scenes on Fast Furious 7 filming in UAE (Abu Dhabi)

Fast Furious 7

Photo: ©Universal Pictures

Behind the scenes on Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol filming in UAE (Abu Dhabi)

Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol

Photo: ©Paramount Pictures

Behind the scenes on Six Underground filming in UAE (Abu Dhabi)

Six Underground

Photo: ©Netflix

Behind the scenes on Star Wars the Force Awakens filming in UAE (Abu Dhabi)

Star Wars the Force Awakens

Photo: David James / ©Lucasfilm Ltd.

Behind the scenes on The Kingdom filming in UAE (Abu Dhabi)

The Kingdom

Photo:

Country: United Arab Emirates + Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) Incentive Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC), Dubai The UAE offers two distinct and competitive incentive programs, one in Abu Dhabi (30%) and one in Dubai (20%), for different geographic and production environments. The country's futuristic skylines, Arabian desert landscapes, the Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali, the largest continuous sand desert on Earth), the coastal corniche, and the extraordinary architectural

Eligibility

  • Eligible Types: Feature films, TV series, commercials, documentaries
  • inappropriate under UAE cultural standards
  • Any nationality via local UAE service producer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UAE (Abu Dhabi) film rebate?

UAE (Abu Dhabi) offers a 35-50% cash rebate rebate, structured as a Cash Rebate, with an annual program cap of None specified. The program is designed to attract film and television productions by offsetting a portion of qualifying local expenditures.

How much is the UAE (Abu Dhabi) film rebate?

The UAE (Abu Dhabi) rebate is 35-50% cash rebate, structured as a Cash Rebate. The exact rate your production qualifies for may depend on factors such as local hiring, filming location, and production type.

What is the minimum spend to qualify for the UAE (Abu Dhabi) film rebate?

Productions must meet a minimum spend threshold of Varies in UAE (Abu Dhabi) to be eligible. Spend typically includes below-the-line costs incurred within the region, though qualifying criteria vary by program — consult the local film office for the full eligibility rules.

Is there a cap on the UAE (Abu Dhabi) film rebate?

Yes. The UAE (Abu Dhabi) program has a program-wide cap of None specified and a per-project cap of None specified. Productions should apply early, as allocations can be limited.

How do I apply for the UAE (Abu Dhabi) film rebate?

Productions typically apply through the UAE (Abu Dhabi) film office or the relevant government agency. Applications are generally submitted before principal photography begins, with final certification issued after production is complete and qualified spend is audited. Check the official film office website for current application guidelines, deadlines, and required documentation.

Last updated April 29, 2026

Film Office

PO Box 131110 Abu Dhabi, UAE Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC)

Phone: +971 2 401 2341

Official Website

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