Mumbai: As Indian creatives and production houses seek new opportunities to broaden their reach, Dubai Studio City has emerged as a vital gateway, providing world-class infrastructure and cutting-edge facilities designed to elevate content creation and distribution on a global scale. This vibrant hub serves not only as a state-of-the-art filming and production complex but as a springboard for Indian media companies looking to break into international markets.
They have introduced a range of forward-thinking initiatives, such as the Golden Visa program, which is specifically designed to attract top-tier talent from India and beyond. This long-term residency program offers creative professionals and entrepreneurs the stability and opportunities they need to thrive in Dubai’s dynamic media landscape.
Indiantelevision.com’s Rohin Ramesh caught up with Majed Al Suwaidi, senior vice president of Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City & Dubai Production City at Tecom Group PJSC where he discussed the strategic role they play as a gateway for Indian creatives to access global markets,
On Dubai Studio City planning to strengthen ties with Indian media and entertainment companies
Dubai Studio City, one of Tecom Group PJSC’s 10 vibrant business districts in Dubai, is strengthening ties with global media and entertainment companies, including talented Indian content creation specialists. Our world-class infrastructure and pro-creativity environment foster a strategic bridge that links Indian creatives with global audiences by leveraging Dubai's strategic location and multicultural environment. Alongside Dubai Media City and Dubai Production City, our district forms Tecom Group’s Media Cluster, an interconnected hub home to more than 3,500 customers and 38,000 professionals.
On highlighting some of the advanced facilities or technologies that have been especially beneficial to content creators, particularly those coming from India
Our state-of-the-art infrastructure includes among the region’s largest Sound Stages, backlots, and production offices, all tailored to serve diverse production needs. We also offer support to incorporate cutting-edge technologies and support for virtual production, augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) integration to push the boundaries of storytelling through in5 Media. The dedicated vertical of Tecom Group’s in5 incubator, in5 Media’s dedicated Innovation Centre at Dubai Production City provides access to specialised facilities, further enhancing the production process for creative entrepreneurs seeking to start or scale up from Dubai.
On some initiatives shaping Dubai’s freelance culture, particularly within the media industry
Tecom Group’s D/Quarters and GoFreelance platforms are vital pillars that support our vision to foster a thriving creative community in Dubai for global impact. GoFreelance offers flexible and collaborative workspaces at the heart of Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, while GoFreelance nurtures the gig economy with networking opportunities. Our strategic alignment with Dubai Film and TV Commission also offers access to content production activities for producers, film crews, and filmmakers. Combined with our sector-specific infrastructure, these offerings ensure a dynamic and agile media landscape.
On this initiative impacting the influx of Indian creatives and professionals into Dubai’s media ecosystem
In a testament to Dubai’s high quality of life and the close ties between the UAE and India, more than 3.5 million Indians call the UAE their home. The Golden Visa program has significantly contributed to the influx of Indian creatives and professionals into Dubai's media ecosystem. Having attracted a wave of cinematic and creative personalities from India in recent years, the programme strengthens bilateral ties and reaffirms Dubai’s appeal to Indian creatives seeking global opportunities.
On specific collaborative projects or strategies you are considering tapping into the Indian market
More than 46 per cent of global media professionals expect advanced emerging technologies and the adoption of AI solutions to impact their field of expertise in the coming years. Moreover, 77 per cent agree Dubai and the UAE provide well-developed infrastructure to enable creative excellence, according to Dubai Design District’s and Dubai Media City’s Digital Creative Economy 2024 white paper, developed in partnership with global digital consultancy Monstarlab. We recognise the immense potential of the Indian digital content market and nurture talent to harness such cutting-edge technologies.
On Tecom Group planning to support or incorporate esports-focused facilities or partnerships within the media cluster
The rapidly growing esports industry in India and South Asia presents new opportunities for audience engagement and revenue, and with the UAE having played IPL host in 2014 and 2020 – as well as the IPL 2024 auction in Dubai in 2023 – we are keenly tracking the e-sports industry’s growth in India and beyond. Tecom Group’s Media Cluster is at the forefront of supporting the industry evolution that the growth of e-sports represents, and we will nurture our community to embrace such innovation.
On top priorities for Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City and Dubai Production City in the next three-five years
We will continue to invest in world-class infrastructure and platforms to strengthen our ecosystem for global talent and leaders from international markets, including India. Our Media Cluster is geared to solidify Dubai's position as a global hub for content creation, driving innovation and contributing to the growth of the global creative economy.
