Collaboration aimed at positioning Abu Dhabi as a prominent production destination on the international film industry map.
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) joined forces at the India International Film Tourism Conclave (IIFTC), India’s premier film tourism initiative, with the aim of highlighting Abu Dhabi’s prime filming locations and offerings. Taking place in Mumbai from 23rd to the 25th February, IIFTC gathered together tourism boards, film commissions and production services companies from around the world all under one roof.
During the three-day event, ADFC promoted its financial incentives, location diversity, production resources and professional support.
“We are delighted to be joining TCA Abu Dhabi at IIFTC as we work hand-in-hand to promote Abu Dhabi and what it has to offer the international production industry,” said ADFC Manager Jassim Al Nowais. “Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive offerings make productions of any size a true success. Our attractive 30 per cent cash rebate and fantastic locations have successfully attracted a number of high-profile productions over the past few years including Star Wars, Fast & Furious 7, Dishoom, Bang Bang! and Baby. We are actively working to attract more productions from India, the world’s largest film industry producing nearly 2,000 films annually, and IIFTC provides us with the platform to achieve just that.”
Sultan Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director Tourism, TCA Abu Dhabi, said: “The chance to showcase the incredible diversity of landscapes, heritage and attractions in Abu Dhabi to Indian film-makers was a golden opportunity to build awareness of our destination. Working in partnership with the ADFC allows us to encourage more production companies to consider the emirate as an evocative location for filming.”
Sajid Nadiadwala, owner of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, praised Abu Dhabi after filming Dishoom in 2016 saying: “We had a great experience shooting Dishoom in the exotic locations of Abu Dhabi which synchronised seamlessly with my script. We scouted all over the world before zeroing in on Abu Dhabi and the teams from twofour54 and Abu Dhabi Film Commission worked in great harmony with mine. Abu Dhabi is a very film-friendly place and we were confident that filming there would be successful.”