Qatar has just made history — launching the MENA region’s first-ever Pan-Regional Production Rebate, a milestone that could reshape how Arabic content is financed, produced, and traded across borders.

Announced during the opening of Doha Film Festival’s Industry Days, the Qatar Screen Production Incentive (QSPI) introduces a cash rebate of up to 50% on qualifying production spend, marking the region’s most ambitious and collaborative content policy to date.

Administered by the Film Committee at Media City Qatar and opening for applications in Q2 2026, QSPI offers a 40% base rebate with an additional 10% uplift for productions that invest in Qatari talent, training, culture, and other development criteria.

But what sets this programme apart—and makes it unprecedented for the Arab world—is its pan-regional scope.

A Regional First: Rebate Eligibility Across Multiple Arab Countries

For the first time, a MENA production incentive allows filmmakers to shoot segments of their project in neighbouring Arab countries while maintaining eligibility for the rebate.

Projects can incur up to 25% of their qualifying expenditure in selected Arab countries and still receive rebate returns on those costs.
This effectively links multiple Arab markets under a single rebate umbrella — a breakthrough for a region often fragmented by borders, regulations, and uneven production infrastructures.

Why This Is A Turning Point for Arabic Content

This move signals:

1. The first major step toward true Arab inter-regional co-production frameworks.

For decades, the region has lacked official treaties and unified policies that would allow Arab producers to collaborate as easily as their European or Latin American counterparts.
QSPI is the first real policy instrument that treats the MENA region as a connected production ecosystem.

2. A streamlined pathway for international studios that see “the Arab world” as one market.

Global companies often struggle with fragmented rules across MENA.
Qatar’s move simplifies this by creating a rebate that accommodates regional mobility — finally making the region more accessible for Hollywood, European, and Asian players.

3. A boost to Arabic content as an exportable asset.

By enabling multi-country shoots and encouraging greater investment flows, this programme strengthens the region’s ability to produce large-scale, culturally rooted, globally ambitious content.

4. A new era of regional solidarity in storytelling.

For the first time, a policy formally encourages Arab countries to participate in one another’s content industries — sharing workforce, infrastructure, locations, and creative exchange.

Official Vision

“The launch of the Qatar Screen Production Incentive Programme reflects our long-term commitment to developing a creative economy that blends cultural authenticity with global ambition,” said Hassan Al Thawadi, Chairman of the Film Committee at Media City Qatar.

“Qatar is open for business to filmmakers and storytellers in the country, the region, the Global South and the rest of the world. We are offering infrastructure, talent, and incentives to bring extraordinary stories to life.”

He added that the programme is designed to support both international productions and the development of strong local and regional talent, helping authentic Arab stories reach audiences worldwide.

A Strategic Shift for the Future

Eligible expenditure includes goods, services, and labour, with detailed guidelines to be issued by the Film Committee.
The launch was part of a dynamic opening day at DFF Industry Days, which also saw a new partnership between U.S. indie studio Neon and Qatar’s Film Committee.