Dubai Film and Games Authority Holds Strategic Meeting to Map Out Film Industry's Future Course
**Dubai Media Retreat Maps Out Strategic Roadmap for Film Sector**
At a recent media retreat hosted by the Dubai Films and Games Commission, under the Dubai Media Council, key strategic directions and initiatives were outlined to advance Dubai's film sector. The event, attended by Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, filmmakers, academics, and representatives from government, semi-government, and private sector organisations, aimed to shape a comprehensive roadmap aligning with Dubai’s strategic vision to become a major global center for film production and talent development.
The retreat focused on refining regulatory processes to facilitate production, streamline international collaborations, and provide filmmakers with necessary support. Hesham Al Olama, Director of Strategy and Performance Management at the Dubai Media Council, emphasised the need to deepen collaborations with major studios and acclaimed filmmakers to foster an ecosystem that supports large-scale productions.
One of the main pillars of the strategic roadmap is talent development. The Commission is focused on nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and media professionals by connecting academic institutions with the professional media industry. This initiative includes training programs and competitions offering substantial prizes and post-production support to incentivise creative projects, thereby fostering local talent and knowledge exchange.
Infrastructure expansion is another crucial aspect of the strategy. Plans are underway to enhance Dubai’s production capabilities and facilities, including the awarding of construction contracts by Q4 2025 for new production infrastructure. Advanced technologies such as ultra-HD 12K cameras, drone cinematography, and immersive 360° video platforms are being integrated to support cutting-edge film production.
Regulatory frameworks were also discussed extensively at the retreat. Discussions emphasised reviewing and strengthening regulatory policies to streamline production processes and enhance Dubai’s competitiveness as a filming hub. This includes formulating frameworks that facilitate easier access and collaboration for local and international filmmakers.
Market expansion remains a priority, involving partnerships that promote content exchange and expertise sharing regionally and internationally. Filmmakers are encouraged to showcase their works to leading industry professionals to expand market reach and investment opportunities.
The Commission also explored strategies to establish a sustainable talent pipeline and attract international specialists. The retreat aimed at positioning Dubai as a premier filmmaking hub and focused on strategies to attract major productions, boost visibility, and fortify infrastructure.
The insights gained from the retreat will shape policies that empower industry professionals, enhance production capabilities, and attract high-budget productions. The perspectives generated at the retreat will bolster efforts to foster innovation, drive investment, and strengthen Dubai's reputation as a leading global destination for content creation.
In addition, Cinema Akil and 25hours Hotel were mentioned in the context of the retreat, but no specific details about their involvement were provided. The retreat serves as a testament to Dubai's commitment to becoming a global leader in the film industry, offering an optimal environment for film production companies, progressive policies, robust infrastructure, and access to a rich talent pool.
- In line with aligning Dubai with a global film production center, the strategic roadmap developed at the Dubai Media Retreat includes collaborations with major studios and acclaimed filmmakers in the finance and business sectors, as well as exploring partnerships with entities from the entertainment and movies-and-TV industries, such as Cinema Akil.
- According to the Dubai Media Retreat, the strategic roadmap unveiled for the film sector involves both talent development and infrastructure expansion, which includes providing infrastructure support through advanced technologies such as ultra-HD 12K cameras and immersive 360° video platforms, in addition to fostering local talent and connecting with international specialists in entertainment and the business world.
