Guide to Film Commissions, Facilities and Incentives in Middle East and North Africa

variety.com:

Rafa Sales Ross Guest Contributor Here’s Variety‘s guide to film commissions, facilities and production incentives in the Middle East and North Africa and some of the films that have taken advantage of them. Jordan Film CommissionOne of the most popular Middle East locations due to its diverse landscape and highly experienced crews, Jordan recently opened its first dedicated film studio complex, Olivewood Film Studios. “We offer cash rebate, not tax rebate.

We deduct 16% on the VAT and having a local crew can lower budgets. We have the 25% rebate but there is flexibility,” Jordanian Royal Film Commission chief Mohannad Al-Bakri says. Film AlUlaNested in a region of natural and cultural significance in Saudi Arabia, Film AlUla offers support in optimizing the country’s 40% tax rebate and navigating regulations, custom clearances, visas and permits, alongside location scouting and talent recruitment.

Acting executive director of Film AlUla Zaid Shaker says: “On top of two world-class studios, AlUla [has] an array of striking locations in an undisturbed natural world, mountain ranges, reserves, heritage sites, a 12th-century old town, and 80 natural springs in the oasis.” Shams StudiosRecently announced by Sharjah Media City, Shams Studios will be located in the third-most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and is set to be a comprehensive media production hub offering state-of-the-art infrastructure and end-to-end production services for film and television.

Shams Studios builds upon Sharjah Media City’s ambition to firmly step into the global market. Dubai Film CommissionThe futuristic Dubai combines sprawling deserts and hyper-modern architecture.