The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, is set to build a major studio complex called twofour54 studios. The project, which is expected to be completed by 2025, will span 400,000 square meters and feature 11 soundstages, a 3,000 square-meter exterior water tank, six standing sets, and 7,000 square-meters of office space and other production facilities. The aim is to transform Abu Dhabi into a major destination for international projects, in addition to its existing role as a popular location for Hollywood and Bollywood films.
Abu Dhabi has already served as a backdrop for several major Hollywood and Bollywood productions, including “Dune,” “Star Wars,” “Fast and Furious,” and more recently, “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1.” The construction of soundstages suggests that the Emirate hopes to attract even more international projects that can utilize its state-of-the-art facilities.
This development in Abu Dhabi comes at a time when Saudi Arabia, its neighboring country, is also emerging as a major global filming location. Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in building studios, such as in the historical region of AlUla where “Kandahar” was filmed, and the futuristic city of Neom, which serves as the backdrop for the upcoming film “Desert Warrior.” Interestingly, Wayne Borg, who was previously the chief commercial officer at twofour54, is currently leading the drive to establish Neom as a production hub.
The CEO of twofour54, Mark Whitehead, highlighted the company’s track record and expertise in the global film industry. Over the past 15 years, twofour54 has facilitated thousands of productions, positioning itself as a trusted and experienced partner. Recognizing the demand for an integrated, future-ready production destination in the MENA region, twofour54 aims to foster creativity, nurture talent, and provide a world-class platform for visionaries to bring their cinematic dreams to life.
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With the construction of twofour54 studios, Abu Dhabi is poised to become a major hub for the film industry. The state-of-the-art facilities will attract international productions, further enhancing the city’s reputation as a versatile and visually stunning location. Additionally, the studio complex will provide ample space for local talent to develop their skills and contribute to the growth of the industry in the region.
The expansion of the film industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region presents numerous economic opportunities. From job creation to tourism and cultural exchange, the growth of the film industry can have a positive impact on the region’s economy and global perception. By investing in world-class infrastructure and supporting local talent, Abu Dhabi and other cities in the region can position themselves as major players in the global film industry.
In conclusion, Abu Dhabi’s plans to build twofour54 studios demonstrate its commitment to becoming a prominent destination for international film projects. The studio complex, with its advanced facilities and strategic location, will attract filmmakers from around the world. As the film industry in the MENA region continues to grow, Abu Dhabi’s investment in the film sector positions it as a key player in the global market and opens up new opportunities for both local and international filmmakers.
