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 Commission
One 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 AlUla
Nested 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 Studios
Recently 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 Commission
The futuristic Dubai combines sprawling deserts and hyper-modern architecture. The Film Commission assists production companies with bureaucracy and location scouting plus reductions in the price of photography equipment and waivers for select fees for government services. Dubai Studio City features the largest sound stages in the Middle East and has hosted productions such as “Star Trek Beyond” and “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.”
Abu Dhabi Film Commission
The commission recently announced they are upping their 30% rebate to more than 35% of qualified below-the-line spending starting in January 2025. The country’s twofour54 Studios—which comprise soundstages, an exterior water tank, and six versatile standing sets—are expected to open within a year. “One of our key goals is to attract longer-term commitments from producers, not only one-off collaborations,” the head of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission Sameer Al Jaberi says.
Neom Media Industries
One of the fastest-growing media hubs in the Middle East and North Africa region, Saudi Arabia’s Neom boasts expanding world-class production facilities nested in the sprawling Tabuk desert, on top of Saudi’s 40% cash rebate programme and business incentives. The hub has attracted productions like Shah Rukh Khan’s “Dunki” and Rupert Wyatt’s “Desert Warrior.”
Mediwood Studios
Located in the Tunisian seaside town of Hammamet, Mediwood Studios recently signed a $3 million expansion deal aimed at strengthening the studio’s position as a key contributor to the growth of the Tunisian film industry. Tunisia is a growing cinematic power, with Kaouther Ben Hania landing two Oscar nominations in three years.
Filming permits are obtainable within a week and there are no work visa requirements for U.S. and EU citizens. There is no rebate in place, but foreign productions are eligible for a VAT exemption.
Media City Qatar
Following the exponential growth of media companies like Al Jazeera, Qatar is amping its efforts to solidify itself as a powerhouse media destination. Announced earlier this year, Media City Qatar is an emerging hub and incubator for media companies and creative talent. It will span regulation, development and investment and assist businesses with permits, licenses and modern production facilities.
Morocco Film Commission
A well-established hotspot for local and foreign film productions, Morocco most recently welcomed productions such as “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and Nicolas Cage’s “Lord of War” sequel. The country offers a 30% rebate, VAT tax exemption, up to 80% equipment rental discount, hefty discounts on hotels and world-class, and English-speaking technicians.
