Movie tourism can be the next mantra for UAE

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Movie tourism can be the next mantra for UAE
Jackie Chan in the movie Kung Fu Yoga.

Dubai - The increase in movie production and filming in Dubai has indirectly influenced the growth of tourism in the emirate.

By Ankita Chaturvedi

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Published: Sat 30 Apr 2016, 4:51 PM

Last updated: Sat 30 Apr 2016, 6:56 PM

The UAE's connectivity, world-class infrastructure and diverse locations have set it apart as a leading movie production destination, and the country is playing an increasingly important role as a key part of the production value chain. It offers a competitive advantage to production companies with unique and diverse locations, including sandy beaches, impressive skylines, cosmopolitan city centres, Burj Khalifa, the world's busiest airport (Dubai International Airport), beautiful deserts, The Palm and many more.
The biggest benefit for international filmmakers in Dubai is cost-reducing soft incentives, licensing fee rebates or repatriations with services providers, as well as ease of issuance of approvals for productions provided by the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC).
"Dubai is a global media hub, home to creative thinkers and inspiring leaders from across the industry value chain. We have a flourishing scene of aspiring talents rising in Dubai, and with our booming film and TV industry, we are confident that this will help strengthen Dubai's position as a leading global tourism destination, supporting Dubai's 2020 vision," Said Jamal Al Sharif, chairman of Dubai Film and TV Commission.
Movie tourism in UAE
Movie buffs follow their favourite actors in styling, speaking and now, touring. Planning a trip merely after watching a movie or a TV show is very common these days. Fans usually get attracted to the places where they see their favourite stars romancing; spicing up the silver screen with the drama, action and comedy. In the last 10 years, many international filmmakers have shot their special big budget projects in the UAE including 'Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol' starring Tom Cruise, 'Happy New Year' starring Shahrukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, Salman Khan's 'Dabbang 2', George Clooney starrer 'Syriana' and the recent filming of 'Star Trek Beyond' and Jackie Chan's 'Kung Fu Yoga'.
While shooting "Happy New Year" in Dubai, Bollywood director Farah Khan said: "I loved every inch of Dubai, it is charming and has many beautiful locations."
The increase in production and filming in Dubai has indirectly influenced the growth of tourism in the emirate. According to the DFTC, one of the key focuses of Dubai's Strategic Plan is to develop its film and TV sectors to be able to position the emirate as a global media, entertainment and cultural hub. At this front, a lot of developments have been taking place to meet this objective, including the three sound stage studios in Dubai Studio City with a built-up area of 65,118sq.ft. The key global productions coming to the emirate are having a real positive impact on the economy as well as on promotions for Dubai's touristic attractions.
"Movie tourism is something we are looking to promote in future after establishing ourselves in the domestic market as a location for television programmes. We have a unique heritage architecture that offers the perfect location," said Ferghal Purcell, general manager, The Ajman Palace Hotel. -reporters@khaleejtimes.com

Salaman Khan during the shoot of Dabbang 2.
Salaman Khan during the shoot of Dabbang 2.

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