The UAE: A Fast-Growing Filmmaking Hub
The UAE has become a go-to destination for international productions thanks to iconic locations, modern infrastructure, and streamlined government support. Major titles and high-profile commercials continue to shoot across the Emirates, making the region a strong combination of spectacle and reliability. Broadly speaking, Abu Dhabi and Dubai play complementary roles: Abu Dhabi for financial incentives and Dubai for operational flexibility and world-class facilities.
Understanding the Incentives
Abu Dhabi — the 30% Cash Rebate
Abu Dhabi offers a 30% cash rebate administered by the Abu Dhabi Film & TV Commission (AFC). The rebate applies to eligible production, post-production and VFX expenses when the work is performed in Abu Dhabi and by AFC-approved local vendors. It covers feature films, TV series, commercials and animation projects that meet the commission’s requirements.
Important note: SoloVFX does not currently operate an official office in Abu Dhabi, so its services cannot be directly claimed under the AFC rebate. The rebate remains a major incentive for international producers who plan and execute eligible work in Abu Dhabi, often by partnering with approved local vendors.
Dubai — fast permits and production infrastructure
Dubai does not offer a comparable cash rebate at this time, but it provides exceptional operational advantages through the Dubai Film & TV Commission. These include fast, streamlined filming permits, strong government coordination, and established production zones like Dubai Studio City — making Dubai especially attractive for high-end advertising, commercial shoots and fast-turnaround projects.
UAE Free Zones — business advantages for regional studios
Free Zones across the UAE enable:
- 100% foreign ownership
- Zero corporate and personal income tax (subject to prevailing regulations)
- Faster company setup and simplified licensing
For international production companies and VFX vendors that want a regional base, Free Zones provide a stable and tax-efficient operating environment.
Infrastructure and Local Talent
The UAE now offers a full ecosystem for production and post-production:
- Dubai Studio City: sound stages, production offices and post suites for commercials and series.
- twofour54 (Abu Dhabi): a creative hub focused on talent development, post-production services and industry partnerships.
This infrastructure, combined with growing local talent pools, makes the UAE a practical and creative place to produce complex VFX work.
SoloVFX — High-End CGI & VFX for Global Clients
SoloVFX provides end-to-end visual effects and CGI services, including:
- VFX compositing
- Matchmove and camera tracking
- Rotoscoping and cleanup
- FX simulation (water, fire, destruction)
- Full CGI product rendering and beauty work
Our team uses industry-standard tools (Nuke, Houdini, Maya) and modern AI-augmented workflows to accelerate routine tasks — reducing timelines while preserving cinematic quality. For example, in a recent luxury brand campaign in Dubai, SoloVFX delivered full CGI product renders that reduced overall production time by approximately 25% compared to typical European timelines.
Market Momentum
The UAE’s film, advertising and VFX sectors have shown sustained growth over the past decade. Increased local training programs, international co-productions and investment in studios and post facilities have produced a regional talent pool capable of competing with traditional global hubs while offering shorter lead times and competitive costs.
The AI Advantage
SoloVFX leverages AI tools to streamline labor-intensive tasks such as rotoscoping, object removal and pre-compositing. This automation reduces turnaround for clients and reallocates human talent to creative, high-value work — enabling faster delivery without compromising visual fidelity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a rebate program in the UAE?
Yes — Abu Dhabi administers a 30% cash rebate through the Abu Dhabi Film & TV Commission for qualifying production, post and VFX expenses carried out in Abu Dhabi with approved vendors.
Does Dubai offer the same rebate?
No — Dubai currently offers streamlined permits and strong production infrastructure but does not have a comparable cash rebate program.
Can SoloVFX’s services be claimed under Abu Dhabi’s rebate?
Not directly. SoloVFX does not currently have an official Abu Dhabi office, so its services cannot be claimed under the AFC rebate unless routed through an approved local vendor or partner that meets AFC requirements.
Why choose the UAE for VFX and post-production?
The UAE combines iconic filming locations, modern studio facilities, improving local talent, favorable business environments (Free Zones) and competitive costs — all of which make it an efficient regional hub for VFX and post.
Ready to bring your vision to life with world-class VFX in the UAE?
Partner with SoloVFX for cinematic CGI, fast delivery and regional production insight.
