Dubai pitched its expanding production infrastructure and creative ecosystem to international studios and filmmakers at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, marking a strategic push to position the emirate as a leading global hub for film production.
A delegation from the Dubai Films and Games Commission (DFGC) spent eight days in Cannes, France, from May 12 to 23, 2026, meeting with major studios, producers, and industry stakeholders. The trip was part of a broader effort to deepen ties with the international film community and showcase Dubai’s growing capabilities in production services, permitting, and talent development.
The DFGC delegation, led by CEO Hesham Al Olama, held a series of meetings aimed at exploring co-production opportunities and creative partnerships. The commission’s presence at one of the film industry’s most important annual gatherings signals Dubai’s ambition to move beyond regional recognition and compete for large-scale international productions.
“Dubai’s participation in Cannes reflects the next phase of our engagement with the international film industry and our long-term vision to establish the emirate as a leading global hub for film production,” Al Olama said in a statement.
He described the festival as “one of the global film industry’s most important spaces for dialogue, partnership-building, and creative exchange,” adding that Dubai aims to position itself as a place where ambitious projects can access world-class infrastructure and a dynamic network of production expertise.
Samr Almarzooqi, Film Commissioner at the DFGC, noted that the festival provides a strategic platform to present the emirate’s value proposition. “It also offers an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about where global filmmaking is heading and the role hubs like Dubai can play within that future,” he said.
Infrastructure and incentives
Dubai has invested heavily in building a film-friendly environment. Filmmakers can draw on state-of-the-art production services, streamlined permitting, rapid approvals, and strong government coordination across multiple agencies. The emirate’s geography offers diverse locations—modern skylines, historic districts, beaches, deserts, and mountains—often within short driving distances.
International productions already serviced in Dubai include Amazon Prime Video’s Jack Ryan and Netflix’s Korean drama Genie, Make a Wish. These high-profile projects demonstrate the city’s ability to support complex studio and streaming productions across multiple genres, the commission said.
The DFGC also highlighted its role as an operational base for productions working across the Middle East, with efficient access to crews, equipment suppliers, studios, and logistics networks. The commission is exploring additional incentives to attract even larger international productions, collaborating with local and global partners.
Broader mandate
The Cannes participation aligns with the DFGC’s wider mission to develop Dubai’s film and gaming sectors through industry partnerships, ecosystem development, regulatory advancement, and international outreach. Established under the Dubai Media Council, the DFGC serves as the primary regulatory and development entity for the emirate’s screen industries.
As global streaming platforms continue to seek diverse filming locations and competitive production environments, Dubai’s push to position itself as a reliable, full-service hub appears timed to capture a growing share of the market. The commission’s next steps include building on the relationships forged at Cannes and continuing to refine its value proposition for international studios.
For filmmakers and producers considering projects in the Middle East, Dubai’s combination of infrastructure, access, and government support offers a compelling alternative. The DFGC’s active presence at Cannes suggests the emirate is serious about competing on the world stage—and ready to welcome productions of any scale.