Abu Dhabi Unveils New Cashback Rebate Starting from 35%++ at MIPCOM 2024 to Further Boost Film and TV Production in the Capital

22 October 2024

Abu Dhabi Film Commission part of the Creative Media Authority have announced a significant rebate update to the world’s film production industry which is set to fuel further international interest in shooting from the Emirate
Unveiled at the leading b2b event, MIPCOM, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission will increase their cashback rebate for qualifying productions from 1 January 2025
Abu Dhabi was the first destination within the region to offer a cashback rebate and have supported more than 150 major productions since its inception in 2013.
An increase in the rebate will not only support inmarket production and postproduction but will also benefit those in the wider ecosystem from private sector business to local young filmmakers

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 22 October 2024: Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) part Abu Dhabi’s Creative Media Authority (CMA), today announced a key development which will continue to grow strengthen and attract strategic investment in the film and TV production industry.

ADFC is increasing the current rebate offering from 30% to starting at 35%++. For all qualified productions who apply from 1 January 2025, this will entice further production from Hollywood, Bollywood and the Arab world to shoot in Abu Dhabi. Hosting blockbuster production shoots not only significantly contributes to the local economy through transport, logistics and accommodation, but leads to unbeatable showcasing opportunities for the destination, which in turn contributes to several sectors including tourism.

Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of Creative Media Authority said: “The importance of the film and production industry continues to grow under the vision and guidance of our wise leadership. We are proud to have been the first destination to offer a rebate scheme and are a regional prioneer with a proven track record. The updated financial rebate support will ensure we continue attracting international producers and directors from all over the world and become known as a leading destination for film and TV production both globally and regionally. This new rebate system is based off global best practice and will ensure we bring more of Abu Dhabi to the world through individual content consumption”.

This is the first development resulting from of a comprehensive review and enhancment across all of the creative industry verticals to ensure an even more attractive offering for a thriving industry in Abu Dhabi; an industry which actively contriubutes to the economy of the region.” Continued Dobay.

Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission added: “Since launching our rebate scheme in 2013, more than 150 major productions have benefited from the offering. This generates a huge impact on our economy as independently verified research shows that for every dirham paid through the scheme, more than three dirhams flows back into the economy through hosting large scale productions in the Emirate. Alongside the financial stimulus into the economy, visiting productions provide a tremendous learning and training opportunity for young creatives who are the nation’s storytellers of the future, this focus ensures a strong self sustaining industry. As we near the release of the rebate on 1 January 2025, further information will be shared in the lead up with our existing production industry database.”

This new development in Abu Dhabi is set to fuel an already extensive ecosystem, as a significantly enhanced rebate financial benefits, more than 800 locally-based media companies (more than 300 of whom are production specific) the 1000-strong freelancer talent pool, young individuals looking for training and internship opportunities and the new golden visa programme, all of which complement the new, state-of-the-art production facilities called “twofour54 Studios”.

Attending MIPCOM until 24 October, the team has a large presence in Cannes and is showcasing Abu Dhabi’s incredible variety of locations, which are accessed through a safe and welcoming environment, to the world’s production leaders. Travelling with CMA, ADFC and twofour54 are 14 production industry partners who will further enhance the offering at the event, bridging the gap between public and private sector offering on an international stage.

HUGE SANDWORM SPOTTED BY DUNE: PART TWO FILMMAKER AND STARS IN ABU DHABI’S DESERT

Following the official Middle East premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ hotly anticipated Dune: Part Two, filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, stars Josh Brolin and Dave Bautista and producer Tanya Lapointe were spotted next to a giant sandworm in Abu Dhabi’s iconic desert dunes.

The massive creature emerged from the dunes as part of the emirate’s celebrations for Denis Villeneuve’s newest film, Part Two of his adaptation of Frank Herbert’s 1965 classic novel.

Set in the distant future, six-time Academy Award winner Dune (2021) and now Dune: Part Two both feature the sweeping sand dunes of Abu Dhabi’s Liwa desert as the landscape of the iconic desert planet Arrakis, which is home to the colossal and highly territorial sandworms. The worms grow to be massive in size and are attracted to the footfalls of those who walk across the sand dunes of Arrakis, and to the vibrations of the machines, such as the Spice Harvesters, disturbing the surface. Scenes from Dune: Part Two were captured at just under 20 locations across the Liwa desert during the winter 2022 and a team of 300 local, 250 international crew and 500 extras were used during the 27-day shoot.

To ensure all fans across the Middle East experience the epic sequel as soon as its available, a special week of previews will take place in markets outside the UAE and Lebanon. Fans in these countries can watch Dune: Part Two from the 29 February to the 6 March 2024 (inclusive), before the onset of Ramadan and ahead of the wider release on 11 April. Get ready for an immersive cinematic adventure that promises to enthral audiences across the Middle East.

Celebrities and VIPs from the global screen industry celebrated Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ Highly Anticipated Dune: Part Two at the official Middle East Premiere in Abu Dhabi

Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and stars Josh Brolin and Dave Bautista were joined by special guests and VIPs at the official Middle East premiere at VOX Cinemas, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island ahead of the film’s UAE release on the 29th of February.
Abu Dhabi’s sweeping Liwa desert dunes take a starring role as the storied planet Arrakis in the epic film.
Villeneuve, Brolin, and Bautista returned to Abu Dhabi for production in 2021 and spent nearly a month in the dunes shooting vital parts of the second installment of the Dune franchise, which was supported by Abu Dhabi Film Commission

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 19 February 2024: The region’s premiere of Dune: Part Two, took place on the evening of 18 February at VOX Cinemas, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi much to the delight of fans and film aficionados who lined the red carpet to celebrate the hotly anticipated follow-up to the six-time Academy Award winner Dune (2021) and welcome filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and stars Josh Brolin and Dave Bautista who flew in for the occasion.

Dune: Part Two is Villeneuve’s adaptation of the 1965 novel Dune by Frank Herbert, picking up where Dune left off. It stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub, with Stellan Skarsgård, with Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem. The film was directed by Villeneuve, written by Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts and produced by Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Patrick McCormick, Villeneuve and Tanya Lapointe.

The film continues the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he must prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

Set in the distant future, Dune: Part Two features the sweeping sand dunes of Abu Dhabi’s Liwa desert as the landscape of the iconic desert planet Arrakis. Scenes were captured at just under 20 locations across the Liwa desert during the winter 2022 and a team of 300 local, 250 international crew and 500 extras were employed during the 27-day shoot.

Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) and Epic films facilitated the production through a range of logistical support, including providing vehicles and constructing tents and camps for costume rooms, sets, canteens, and production equipment storage. Dune: Part Two also benefited from ADFC’s generous rebate, while production services were provided by Epic Films, along with support from a number of UAE production partners.

Mark your calendars, as the highly anticipated release of Dune: Part Two, directed by Villeneuve, written by Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts and produced by Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Patrick McCormick, Villeneuve and Tanya Lapointe, is set to captivate audiences in the Middle East. In the UAE and Lebanon, the epic continuation of the Dune saga will hit cinemas on the 29 February 2024. In other markets in the region, the film is scheduled for an Eid release on the 11 April. To ensure all fans across the Middle East experience the epic sequel as soon as its available, a special week of previews will take place in markets outside the UAE and Lebanon. Fans in these countries can watch Dune: Part Two from the 29 February to the 6 March (inclusive), before the onset of Ramadan and ahead of the wider release on 11 April. Get ready for an immersive cinematic adventure that promises to enthral audiences across the Middle East.

DUNE: PART TWO STAR JOSH BROLIN AND DIRECTOR DENIS VILLENEUVE MAKE A SPECIAL STOP TO SEE MASSIVE MOVIE SET PIECE IN ABU DHABI

Ahead of the official Middle East premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ hotly anticipated Dune: Part Two, star Josh Brolin and director Denis Villeneuve visited one of the film’s huge set pieces, a cockpit from a spice harvester, also known as a crawler, which is currently on show in The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton on Yas Island until 18 March 2024.

Brolin, who returns as House of Atreides’ fighter Gurney Halleck in Denis Villeneuve’s next big screen chapter of Frank Herbert’s 1965 classic novel, flew into Abu Dhabi yesterday; he and director Denis Villeneuve will be joining co-star Dave Bautista on the red carpet at VOX Cinemas, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island in just a few hours.

Set in the distant future, Dune: Part Two features the sweeping sand dunes of Abu Dhabi’s Liwa desert as the landscape of the iconic desert planet Arrakis. Scenes were captured at just under 20 locations across the Liwa desert during the winter of 2022 and a team of 300 local, 250 international crew and 500 extras were employed during the 27-day shoot.

Stars, filmmaker and director of Warner Bros. and Legendary Picture’s Dune: Part Two wrap their Abu Dhabi experience

Director Denis Villeneuve, filmmaker Tanya Lapointe and stars Josh Brolin and Dave Bautista have spent two very special days in Abu Dhabi as part of the global promotion of Dune: Part Two, and enjoyed some exclusive film-based experiences, which could only be possible in the emirate.

From visiting a large set piece showcased at The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton and a giant sandworm activation in Abu Dhabi desert to the official Middle East premiere screening and red carpet at VOX Cinemas, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island and an Emirati cultural experience, the stars have ensured their whistle-stop tour celebrated Abu Dhabi’s involvement with the hotly anticipated, second instalment of Villeneuve’s epic big screen adaptation of the 1965 novel Dune by Frank Herbert.

Picking up where six-time Academy Award winner Dune (2021) ended, Dune: Part Two stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub, with Stellan Skarsgård, with Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem.

Set in the distant future, Dune: Part Two features the sweeping sand dunes of Abu Dhabi’s Liwa desert as the landscape of the iconic desert planet Arrakis. Scenes were captured at just under 20 locations across the Liwa desert during the winter of 2022 and a team of 300 local, 250 international crew and 500 extras were used during the 27-day shoot.

Dune and Dune: Part Two are among more than 140 major productions that have used Abu Dhabi as a location in recent years, benefiting from the diversity of its locations, pool of talented professionals, award-winning facilities and generous 35%++ cashback rebate. These include Hollywood hits such as the Mission: Impossible, Star Wars and Fast and Furious franchises, as well as Sonic the Hedgehog, and Netflix’s 6 Underground and War Machine.

In the UAE and Lebanon, the epic continuation of the Dune saga will hit cinemas on the 29 February 2024. In other markets in the region, the film is scheduled for an Eid release on the 11 April. To ensure all fans across the Middle East experience the epic sequel as soon as its available, a special week of previews will take place in markets outside the UAE and Lebanon. Fans in these countries can watch Dune: Part Two from the 29 February to the 6 March 2024 (inclusive), before the onset of Ramadan and ahead of the wider release on 11 April.

Get ready for an immersive cinematic adventure that promises to enthral audiences across the Middle East.

Wrap video available here:
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Behind the Scenes of UAE Interns on Dune: Part Two

Five local UAE interns gained international production experience during the making of Dune: Part Two in Abu Dhabi’s Liwa desert. From VFX to camera assistant roles, the five talented individuals were offered an internship placement on set across the 27-day shoot through the Abu Dhabi Film Commission as part of the commissions commitment to nurturing young talent into the screen industry.

Shot by Legendary and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc, this video asset highlights the experience gleaned by Mouza Al Darmaki, Thoraya Farzaneh, Khaled Al Hosani, Amna Al Darmaki and Ghena Al Satti.

Set in the distant future, Dune: Part Two features the sweeping sand dunes of Abu Dhabi’s Liwa desert as the landscape of the iconic desert planet Arrakis. Scenes were captured at just under 20 locations across the Liwa desert during the winter of 2022 and a team of 300 local, 250 international crew and 500 extras were employed during the 27-day shoot.

Dune: Part Two is Villeneuve’s adaptation of the 1965 novel Dune by Frank Herbert, picking up where Dune left off. It stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub, with Stellan Skarsgård, with Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem. The film was directed by Villeneuve, written by Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts and produced by Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Patrick McCormick, Villeneuve and Tanya Lapointe.

In the UAE and Lebanon, the epic continuation of the Dune saga hit cinemas on the 29 February 2024. In other markets in the region, the film is scheduled for an Eid release on the 11 April. To ensure all fans across the Middle East experience the epic sequel as soon as its available, a special week of previews will take place in markets outside the UAE and Lebanon. Fans in these countries can watch Dune: Part Two from the 29 February to the 6 March 2024 (inclusive), before the onset of Ramadan and ahead of the wider release on 11 April. Get ready for an immersive cinematic adventure that promises to enthral audiences across the Middle East.

The Making of Dune: Part Two in Abu Dhabi

During the making of Dune: Part Two in Abu Dhabi’s Liwa desert, Legendary and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc captured behind-the-scenes content of the Abu Dhabi portion of production and highlights the extensive involvement from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission in bringing director Denis Villeneuve’s vision to life.

Set in the distant future, Dune: Part Two features the sweeping sand dunes of Abu Dhabi’s Liwa desert as the landscape of the iconic desert planet Arrakis. Scenes were captured at just under 20 locations across the Liwa desert during the winter of 2022 and a team of 300 local, 250 international crew and 500 extras were employed during the 27-day shoot.

In the UAE and Lebanon, the epic continuation of the Dune saga hit cinemas on the 29 February 2024. In other markets in the region, the film is scheduled for an Eid release on the 11 April. To ensure all fans across the Middle East experience the epic sequel as soon as its available, a special week of previews will take place in markets outside the UAE and Lebanon. Fans in these countries can watch Dune: Part Two from the 29 February to the 6 March 2024 (inclusive), before the onset of Ramadan and ahead of the wider release on 11 April. Get ready for an immersive cinematic adventure that promises to enthral audiences across the Middle East.

Abu Dhabi to host Middle East Premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ Highly Anticipated Dune: Part Two

Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and stars Josh Brolin and Dave Bautista to walk the red carpet at VOX Cinemas, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island on the 18th of February ahead of the film’s release on the 29th of February
Abu Dhabi’s sweeping Liwa desert dunes take a starring role as the storied planet Arrakis in the epic film
The film features an all-star cast including Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, along with Brolin and Bautista, who returned to Abu Dhabi for the production, spending nearly a month shooting vital parts of the second installment of the Dune Franchise, which was supported by Abu Dhabi Film Commission

Abu Dhabi, UAE – February 9, 2024: Abu Dhabi will host the Middle East premiere of Dune: Part Two, the hotly anticipated follow up to the six time Academy Award winner Dune (2021) at a red-carpet event on the 18th of February at VOX Cinemas, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island. Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and stars Josh Brolin and Dave Bautista will walk the red carpet at the Middle East premiere and greet fans ahead of the screening.

Dune: Part Two is Villeneuve’s adaptation of the 1965 novel Dune by Frank Herbert, picking up where Dune left off. It stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub, with Stellan Skarsgård, with Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem.

Mohamed Dobay, Creative Media Authority Acting Director General, said: “Hosting the Middle East premiere of Dune: Part Two is an honour for Abu Dhabi and is also a reflection of the position the emirate holds as one of MENA’s top film and TV locations. We are proud to have supported an incredibly successful filming franchise once again. The fact that producers and directors seek to return to Abu Dhabi demonstrates how we have everything filmmakers need to facilitate and contribute to award-winning global productions.”

Set in the distant future, Dune: Part Two features the sweeping sand dunes of Abu Dhabi’s Liwa desert as the landscape of the iconic and important desert planet Arrakis. Scenes were captured at just under 20 locations across the Liwa desert during the winter 2022 and a team of 300 local, 250 international crew and 500 extras were used during the 27-day shoot.

Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) and Epic films facilitated the production through a range of logistical support, including providing vehicles and constructing tents and camps for costume rooms, sets, canteens, and production equipment storage. Dune: Part Two also benefited from ADFC’s generous rebate, while production services were provided by Epic Films, along with support from a number of UAE production partners.

Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, said: “We were delighted to support Denis Villeneuve’s epic adaptations of the novel Dune and to provide around 20 Liwa desert locations as Arrakis. Combining expert on-the-ground knowledge, location diversity, highly experienced local talent and know-how, competitive rebate and world-class facilities, a premiere moment really does provide the opportunity for all of our partners and service providers to see the culmination of all our efforts, not to mention showcase to future international productions on the ease of bringing their vision to life in Abu Dhabi.”

Dune and Dune: Part Two are among more than 150 major productions that have used Abu Dhabi as a location in recent years, benefiting from the diversity of its locations, pool of talented professionals, award-winning facilities and generous 35%++ cashback rebate. In addition to Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, film titans including Disney, Netflix, Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures have all produced and shot on location in Abu Dhabi. Films include Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, 6 Underground and Furious 7, as well as Bollywood hits such as Vikram Vedha, Tiger Zinda Hai and Bharat.

Mark your calendars, as the highly anticipated release of Dune: Part Two is set to captivate audiences in the Middle East. In the UAE and Lebanon, the epic continuation of the Dune saga will hit cinemas on the 29th of February 2024. In other markets in the region, the film is scheduled for an Eid release on the 11th of April. To ensure that fervent fans across the Middle East experience in the epic sequel simultaneously with the rest of the world, an exclusive week of previews is set to sweep through markets outside the UAE and Lebanon. Fans in these countries can be the first to witness the exhilarating saga and watch Dune: Part Two from the 29th of February to the 6th of March 2024 (inclusive), ahead of the wider release on April 11. Get ready for an immersive cinematic adventure and be among the first to experience the epic film Dune: Part Two.

Principal Photography Wraps in Abu Dhabi on Original Action Movie, 6 Underground, Starring Ryan Reynolds and Helmed by Michael Bay

Netflix, the world’s leading internet entertainment service, and Skydance Media, the global diversified media company that creates premium, event-level entertainment for worldwide audiences, in association with Bay Films, have completed principal photography in Abu Dhabi, UAE on 6 Underground, the action-adventure feature film, directed by Michael Bay and starring Ryan Reynolds, Mélanie Laurent, Corey Hawkins, Adria Arjona, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Ben Hardy, Lior Raz, Payman Maadi and Dave Franco.

The film is being produced by Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger, along with Bay and Ian Bryce, and is based on an original idea from Deadpool scribes Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. Garrett Grant, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick and Matthew Cohan executive produce, with JJ Hook, Michael Kase and Marco Valerio Pugini co-producing. The production team also includes director of photography Bojan Bazelli; production designer Jeffrey Beecroft; editors Roger Barton, William Goldenberg, and Calvin Wimmer; stunt coordinators Greg Smrz and Kenny Bates; fight coordinator Andy Cheng; special effects supervisor Terry Glass; visual effects supervisor Richard Hoover; and costume designer Jany Temime.

Filming began in Italy on 20 August, utilizing locations in Florence, Siena, Taranto and Rome before moving to the United Arab Emirates. Production continued in Abu Dhabi on 12 November and moved to sites in Al Ain, Liwa and Ras Al Khaimah before completing principal photography on 5 December, in the Abu Dhabi City Centre. In total, 24 locations were used during the course of the 27 day shoot in Abu Dhabi.

The production worked closely with the Abu Dhabi Film Commission which offers a 35%++ rebate on production spend in Abu Dhabi as well as twofour54, which provided full production services, including location assistance, securing permits and suppliers as well as catering, accommodation and travel.

“The UAE, and Abu Dhabi in particular, has provided diverse backdrops that have added to the richness of our production,” said director Michael Bay. “I look forward to returning to the UAE in the future to spend time exploring all that the country has to offer.”

“This has been a fast-paced and dynamic production, and Netflix and Skydance have been fantastic partners,” he added. “I couldn’t be more appreciative. I especially want to thank my incredible cast and crew for their hard work and devotion to this project.”

“Making this movie was an experience I will never forget,” says Ryan Reynolds. “I was impressed with the local crew and artisans we’ve met throughout our journey. Together we’ve made an exciting movie with equal parts action and humor that will appeal to a diverse audience.”

H.E. Maryam Eid AlMheiri, CEO of Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi and twofour54, said: “We are now a destination of choice for major film productions, many of whom have traveled thousands of miles to benefit from Abu Dhabi’s striking scenery, pool of talent and welcoming environment.”

“We strive to provide a seamless experience to filmmakers, so they can focus on crafting their unique stories. Assisting Netflix to smoothly film 6 Underground across 24 locations over 27 days is testament to our ability to strategically manage highly complex projects to a tight deadline,” AlMheiri added.

The film is currently in post-production in the United States and is slated for release on Netflix in 2019.

Abu Dhabi Film Commission Supports New American TV Series ‘Last Light’ which Filmed in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s stunning architectural landscape and desert dunes were featured in ‘Last Light’
Director Dennie Gordon: “Finding a desert like this, unobstructed dunes as far as the eye can see, is such a privilege.”
Epic Films and Abu Dhabi Film Commission supported production logistics for 10-day production
Production benefited from the 35%++ Cashback Rebate

Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) has successfully attracted yet another exciting American TV series, ‘Last Light’, to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The five-episode limited TV series is an adaptation of Alex Scarrow’s bestselling apocalyptic thriller novel, which tells the story of a family fighting to survive in a world that has been thrown into chaos as oil supplies around the globe are severed. The action and drama series is directed by award-winning director Dennie Gordon, who has worked on over 100 hours of network television, including the critically acclaimed American superhero television series ‘Legion’. ‘Last Light’ was recently released regionally on Shahid VIP.

Gordon is seen in the behind-the-scenes footage praising the palatial architecture of Abu Dhabi and highlighting the natural desert landscape Abu Dhabi has to offer, saying: “Finding a desert like this, unobstructed dunes as far as the eye can see, is such a privilege.”

Produced by MGM International Television Productions in association with MBC, Peacock, Viaplay Group and Stan, the limited TV series was shot in multiple locations in Abu Dhabi, which doubled as the mythical city of Luzrah, including the stunning architectural structures of Emirates Palace and the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, as well as the vast expanse of the Abu Dhabi desert and Arkan Cement Factory. Scenes were also filmed in other locations, such as Mussafah, Abu Dhabi Global Market, Al Danah, and a military base.

Hans Fraikin, Abu Dhabi Film Commissioner, said: “We are extremely delighted to have welcomed and worked with MGM International Television Productions, a prominent production company in the filming industry. It is vital for Abu Dhabi to attract important productions like ‘Last Light’, as it further solidifies the Emirate’s position as an ideal filming destination and encourages more production companies to choose Abu Dhabi for future projects. Everyone who comes to Abu Dhabi can’t help but fall in love with the location and what it has to offer. And so, with our successes with MGM, which will surely get the attention of many other production companies, we look forward to welcoming more filming projects for years to come.”

The production of ‘Last Light’ received the full support of Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC), including location support and a 35%++ rebate on production spend. It also featured a team of 145 people, of which 55 were international crew, with approximately 90 local crew members aiding in the production process. Epic Films serviced the production while in Abu Dhabi, along with support from other UAE firms such as Filmquip Media, Go Aerials, EMAN Transport and FSTOP Location Services.

‘Last Light’ stars Emmy nominated Matthew Fox, who is best known for his roles as Charlie Salinger on ‘Party of Five’ and Jack Shephard on the well-known drama series ‘Lost’, as well as SAG award winning actress Joanne Froggatt, who is best known for her roles in ‘Downton Abbey’ as Anna Bates. The cast also includes Amber Rose and Hakeem Jomah.

The new American TV series ‘Last Light’ is among more than 130 productions to have used the UAE capital as a filming destination, benefiting from the variety of the Emirate’s landscapes, award-winning facilities, generous 35%++ cashback rebate and vast pool of talents.

ACADEMY AWARD® WINNING ‘DUNE’ TO RETURN TO ABU DHABI FOR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED DUNE: PART TWO

Abu Dhabi’s stunning landscape will once again feature as the fictional world of Arrakis in the eagerly awaited second part of the adaptation of Frank Herbert’s best-selling novel
Epic Films along with the Abu Dhabi Film Commission will support production logistics around the complex five week-long production later this year

Legendary Entertainment, the producers of the Academy Award® winning film Dune confirmed today it will return to Abu Dhabi later this year to shoot the highly anticipated Dune: Part Two. Abu Dhabi will reprise its role as the iconic setting of the desert planet Arrakis in Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s best-selling novel.

The epic action-adventure movie, from Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures, will film at the Liwa desert for over a month later this year with a team of local and international talent. Dune: Part Two will benefit from the 35%++ cashback rebate offered through the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, while production services will be provided by Epic Films, along with support from a number of UAE production partners.

Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and twofour54 Abu Dhabi, HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, said: “Dune has again provided us with an exciting opportunity to associate the emirate with another global movie franchise which will allow us to entice enthusiastic fans and audience members to visit the landscapes which they have seen on screen. In Abu Dhabi, we are fortunate to offer incredible architecture, landscapes and a unique culture that brings magic to the big screen. We hope that audiences around the world will get the chance to discover a whole new world in the Liwa desert.”

“We look forward to returning to the majestic sand dunes of Abu Dhabi and bringing Arrakis to life for Dune: Part Two,” said Villeneuve.

Added Sam Kozhaya, Legendary’s EVP, Operations and Corporate Development, “Legendary is excited to film this next installment of Dune: Part Two amidst the stunning and majestic geography of Abu Dhabi. The support of Abu Dhabi and its talented artists and crew members is invaluable in realizing the vision for the second chapter of this epic saga.” Dune: Part Two follows the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he must prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

The cast of Dune: Part Two includes Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Zendaya, Javier Bardem who will return alongside recent additions to the cast including Florence Pugh, Austin Butler and Christopher Walken.

Hans Fraikin, Film Commissioner for Abu Dhabi Film Commission added: “Ever since Denis Villeneuve first visited Abu Dhabi looking for a location that would be the planet Arrakis, it was clear that the Emirate’s breath-taking desert landscapes were the perfect setting for his adaptation of Dune. We look forward to the crew returning to help the Liwa Desert reprise its role. In addition to its diverse landscapes, our local talent, world-class facilities and competitive rebate make Abu Dhabi one of the most prominent filming locations for international productions and we are honored to play a part in this award-winning franchise.”

Dune is among more than 130 major productions that have used Abu Dhabi as a location in recent years, benefiting from the diversity of its locations, pool of talented professionals, award-winning facilities and generous 35%++ cashback rebate. These include Hollywood hits such as the Mission: Impossible, Star Wars and Fast and Furious franchises, as well as Sonic the Hedgehog, and Netflix’s 6 Underground and War Machine.

About Dune: Part Two

Denis Villeneuve will return to write and direct Dune: Part Two. Mary Parent, Denis Villeneuve, Cale Boyter, Tanya Lapointe, and Patrick McCormick will produce. The executive producers are Josh Grode, Herbert W. Gains, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, Kim Herbert, Thomas Tull, Jon Spaihts, Richard P. Rubinstein, and John Harrison, with Kevin J. Anderson serving as creative consultant. Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Present a Legendary Pictures Production, a Film by Denis Villeneuve, ‘Dune’.

Abu Dhabi Unveils New Cashback Rebate Starting from 35%++ at MIPCOM 2024 to Further Boost Film and TV Production in the Capital

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