Director of Dubai Studio City and Dubai Film
Commission
UAE
Hans Fraikin
Manager of Abu Dhabi Film Commission
UAE
Dubai, which will host the delayed World Expo starting this October, is home to more than 4,000
Arab, regional and international media organizations.Since Dubai does not offer a production
incentive scheme–although it gives discretionary support on flights and hotels—Abu Dhabi has now
taken over as the UAE’s go-to location for Hollywood and Asian productions. Abu Dhabi not only
boasts sizeable production facilities of its own but a 30% cash rebate on production spend that
has helped lure in huge productions such as Warner Bros upcoming sci-fi extravaganza DUNE. 2020
also saw the hiring of a new head of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, Hans Fraikin, who is tasked
with accelerating the Emirate's appeal as a global production destination, one that is set to
include a major new studio complex and a fast-track visa programme for creative workers.