Abu Dhabi builds backlot for Saudi filming

A new backlot set recreating part of the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah as it would have appeared in the late 19th century has been built near Abu Dhabi for a TV series.

By Nick Goundry 1 Apr 2016

Abu Dhabi builds backlot for Saudi filming

A new backlot set recreating part of the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah as it would have appeared in the late 19th century has been built near Abu Dhabi for a TV series.

Dubai-based O3 Productions and twofour54 of Abu Dhabi have developed the set at Khalifa Industrial Zone under a three-year agreement.

The Saudi TV series Haret El Sheikh will film 30 episodes in the recreated streets of Jeddah and the drama will benefit from Abu Dhabi’s 30% filming incentive.

“Establishing this new backlot is a significant milestone for twofour54 and Abu Dhabi Film Commission in enhancing the industry’s infrastructure,” said Maryam Al Mheiri, acting CEO of twofour54.

“Supporting Arabic productions is high on the agenda of twofour54 and we are delighted to be working with O3 Productions in developing quality Arabic content for the region and beyond to enjoy,” Al Mheiri added.

Abu Dhabi has been building its international production profile in recent years, having hosted scenes for Fast & Furious 7 and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The city offers studio resources as part of twofour54 Film & TV Services.

Dubai Studio City offers three sound stages and water tank facilities. Dubai itself does not yet offer a formal filming incentive, but does negotiate bespoke support deals on a case-by-case basis. Star Trek Beyond recently became the biggest international production to shoot in the city.

For more on filming in the United Arab Emirates see our production guide.

The Saudi TV series Haret El Sheikh will film 30 episodes in the recreated streets of Jeddah and the drama will benefit from Abu Dhabi’s 30% filming incentive.

“Establishing this new backlot is a significant milestone for twofour54 and Abu Dhabi Film Commission in enhancing the industry’s infrastructure,” said Maryam Al Mheiri, acting CEO of twofour54.

“Supporting Arabic productions is high on the agenda of twofour54 and we are delighted to be working with O3 Productions in developing quality Arabic content for the region and beyond to enjoy,” Al Mheiri added.

Abu Dhabi has been building its international production profile in recent years, having hosted scenes for Fast & Furious 7 and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The city offers studio resources as part of twofour54 Film & TV Services.

Dubai Studio City offers three sound stages and water tank facilities. Dubai itself does not yet offer a formal filming incentive, but does negotiate bespoke support deals on a case-by-case basis. Star Trek Beyond recently became the biggest international production to shoot in the city.

For more on filming in the United Arab Emirates see our production guide.

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