Abu Dhabi
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Abu Dhabi is the mother city of the United Arab Emirates.  It is colloquially described as the older sister of Dubai, which in turn is sometimes referred to as the flashy sister. Both cities form part of seven emirates and the country is an elective monarchy with Islam as the main religion.   Abu Dhabi is widely regarded as one of the safest cities in the world and also an advanced one.

TAX

There is 5% VAT that can be refunded in most circumstances and therefore does not become a cost to production. There are however specific circumstances when this is allowed and it is best to check with the AD Film Commission to see the latest regulations.

INCENTIVES

Productions can receive a cash rebate on most expenses up to a maximum of 50%.  The rebate is capped up to $10m USD for features and $2m for TV shows.  Above the line personnel including actors are not eligible, as well as capital goods purchased are also not eligible.   Foreign crew with a valid  work visa are eligible, alongside their travel/living expenses. 

INFRASTRUCTURE

Much of the film infrastructure like equipment houses and sound stages currently exist in Dubai since this city has a long reputation in the advertising production industry and in other media sectors.  However there is a strong drive by Abu Dhabi to build sound stages. A man-made island called Yas Island has been built as the city's intended media and entertainment hub.  

CREW

The availability of crews can sometimes be an issue on large productions and there is only so much crew that can be 'borrowed' from the advertising industry, most of which are coming from Dubai.  The authorities in Abu Dhabi are aware of this issue and are providing various training schemes with solid goals to order improve the crew pool  over the long term.

CENSORSHIP

It is true that all scripts need to be approved before filming permits are provided. However the country has become very rational in its assessments and, provided stories do not go against religious values or portray the country in an unfair manner, you shouldn't have any problem with approvals. The UAE is arguably becoming one of the most open minded countries in the Middle East and it is considered a melting pot of various cultures and religions. 

LOCATIONS

Such movies as Dune 1 & 2, Furious 7, Star Wars - The Force Awakens have all shot in Abu Dhabi. Of course the desert is the main attraction but there are various other exotic locations too.  As James Wan, director of Furious 7, said "The locations in Abu Dhabi are amazing. It adds a lot of production value to the film and makes it really exotic. We want to strike a balance with both the opulence in this part of the world as well as what is more traditional and cultural just to get a bit of that flavour into the film. It’s a bit different to what the Fast and Furious fans have seen before so there is a natural evolution in the series."

PROS AND CONS TO SHOOTING IN ABU DHABI

The PROS are....

An average of over 11 hours of daylight per day. At least 8 hours a day of sunlight;
The government is focused on growing the industry in terms of infrastructure and crews.  There is support from the film commission;
Financial incentives are reliable, up to 50%;
Amazing locations if you are looking for desert lands and the Middle Eastern look;
A very safe city;
World class health care;
Stable economy and politics;
Government support;
The weather between November and April is like late spring or early autumn of the south of Europe;
Very well connected internationally with direct flights either to Dubai or Abu Dhabi (the two cities less than 70 minutes away from each other by car);
The country is respectful of all religions and tries to embrace everyone irrespective of their culture and religion;

CONS....
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Not a cheap city in terms of salaries and location fees. However groceries, hotels and car rentals are similar to Europe's averages;
Lack of crews, depending on the scale of the shoot and how busy the industry is at the time (But fortunately there is the cash rebate of up to 50%).
Lack of sound stages, at the moment;
The weather between May and October is very hot and can be quite unbearable outdoors in July and August (However, aircon works very well in all interiors). It is best to schedule shoots away from the peak summer months;