Latest news with #MohamedDobay
Al Etihad
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Stages Regional Premiere of F1: The Movie on Bespoke Yas Marina Circuit Cinema
26 June 2025 21:30 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Abu Dhabi rolled out the red carpet for the highly anticipated regional premiere of F1: The Movie, delivering an unforgettable cinematic celebration on Yas Marina Circuit, one of the film's most iconic filming event featured a purpose-built cinema, special guest activations, and a red carpet attended by film pioneers and special red carpet welcomed influential figures, including senior leadership from the Creative Media Authority (CMA) and Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC), who partnered closely on the production, were joined by representatives from key supporting partners including Etihad Airways, the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, and Yas Marina Director General of the Creative Media Authority, Mohamed Dobay, commented, "This premiere reflects the power of collaboration across Abu Dhabi's creative ecosystem. By transforming Yas Marina Circuit into a one-of-a-kind cinema experience, we have shown what is possible when regional talent, partners and robust infrastructure come together. It is a testament to Abu Dhabi's growing role as a hub for world-class productions."Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, Sameer Al Jaberi, added, "Bringing F1: The Movie to life and transforming Yas Marina Circuit into a live production set reflects the versatility and capability of Abu Dhabi as a filming destination. The project also highlights the strength of our rebate programme, the commitment of our local crews, and the collective support of our partners across the Emirate."The premiere event also aligned with the film's full production wrap, which was completed during the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit in December 2024. This marked the first time a feature film captured on-track action during a live Formula 1 race guest experience featured driving simulators, exclusive car displays, and partner watch showcases, reflecting the wider world of Formula 1 and the global partners involved in both the sport and the film's also included displays of the official APXGP Formula 1 car and the APXGP race helmet worn by Damson Idris at the Met Gala earlier this year, bringing key elements of the film and the sport to life for attendees.F1: The Movie was filmed extensively across Abu Dhabi during three separate production visits, with support from ADFC's rebate programme. Over 29 filming days, the production engaged 284 local crew members and multiple interns through CMA's talent development programmes. Filming took place across multiple locations, including Yas Marina Circuit, Zayed International Airport, and twofour54 Studios at Yas Creative Hub, with local production services delivered by Epic Films. The premiere event itself was further supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who contributed across guest services, red carpet management, and logistical film was produced by Apple Studios in collaboration with Formula 1 Management, FIA, and all 10 Formula 1 teams, and is distributed globally by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is now screening in cinemas across the region from June 26, 2025.
Arabian Business
04-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi partners with FilmGate to boost UAE film industry, 15 productions planned
Abu Dhabi's Creative Media Authority (CMA) has signed a strategic partnership with leading Emirati-owned production house FilmGate to supercharge the emirate's content creation ecosystem and nurture homegrown talent. Under this landmark agreement, FilmGate will produce at least 15 productions in Abu Dhabi over the next five years, employing 50 per cent local production talent from within CMA's creative ecosystem. The collaboration includes a robust learning and development programme featuring: Annual industry workshops hosted by FilmGate on specialist production topics Four six-month paid internships per year for young Emirati creatives Pathways to permanent employment within the media and film production industry Abu Dhabi film industry Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director-General of Creative Media Authority, said: 'Establishing partnerships with local and regional production leaders is a key element of our industry development strategy to make Abu Dhabi a global content hub. 'Alongside attracting the major Hollywood and Bollywood productions, it is critical that we support and increase the Arab content produced in Abu Dhabi to ensure we are building an ecosystem where Emirati and wider Arab narratives can thrive. 'The partnerships we are curating are designed to deliver unrivalled opportunities throughout the ecosystem, from employment for our 1000 plus registered freelancers to intern opportunities for our young creatives; these partnerships support on all levels.' FilmGate will also benefit from Abu Dhabi Film Commission's newly enhanced production rebate scheme, which now offers cashback incentives starting at 35 per cent and up to 50 per cent for qualifying productions that meet specific criteria. Founded by acclaimed Emirati filmmaker Mansoor Al Yahbouni Al Dhaheri, FilmGate brings years of award-winning experience to the table. Al Dhaheri's work has been featured at global festivals, including the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, Dubai International Film Festival, and Gulf Film Festival. Notable projects include Little Sparta (2016), The Platform (3 seasons), Swim 62 (2023), and The Misfits (2021). Mansoor Al yahbouni al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of FilmGate, said: 'It is a significant year for Abu Dhabi with the new rebate for production starting January 1 and a partnership of this nature with Creative Media Authority will allow us to maximise all that Abu Dhabi offers in terms of filming locations, creative infrastructure, talent and financial support to produce more content than ever before.'
Zawya
04-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
CMA partners with 'FilmGate' to grow creative industries, promote production sector in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI - Abu Dhabi's Creative Media Authority (CMA) has announced a new partnership with one of the UAE's leading independent, Emirati-owned and operated production houses, FilmGate to secure a suite of benefits for the wider production industry in Abu Dhabi. FilmGate will produce a minimum of 15 productions in Abu Dhabi over the next five years. The productions will employ 50 percent of production talent from within the CMA's ecosystem. The partnership will also provide extensive learning and development benefits for the ecosystem including annual workshops hosted by FilmGate for the industry on a specialist production topic and four, six-month paid internships per annum for young Emirati talent with a view to providing permanent employment opportunities to grow and nurture talent from within the UAE. Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director-General of Creative Media Authority, said, 'Establishing partnerships with local and regional production leaders is a key element of our industry development strategy to make Abu Dhabi a global content hub. Alongside attracting the major Hollywood and Bollywood productions, it is critical that we support and increase the Arab content produced in Abu Dhabi to ensure we are building an ecosystem where Emirati and wider Arab narratives can thrive.' 'The partnerships we are curating are designed to deliver unrivalled opportunities throughout the ecosystem, from employment for our 1000 plus registered freelancers to intern opportunities for our young creatives; these partnerships support on all levels.' Founded by leading Emirati filmmaker Mansoor Al yahbouni al Dhaheri, FilmGate will also benefit from the recent update on the rebate offered by Abu Dhabi Film Commission where qualifying productions now can apply for cashback on production and postproduction spend starting at 35 percent up to 50 percent based on meeting a clear set of criteria. Mansoor Al yahbouni al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of FilmGate, added, 'It is a significant year for Abu Dhabi with the new rebate for production starting January 1 and a partnership of this nature with Creative Media Authority will allow us to maximise all that Abu Dhabi offers in terms of filming locations, creative infrastructure, talent and financial support to produce more content than ever before.' As a visionary producer, director, writer, and, most notably, philanthropist Mr Mansoor Al Dhaheri has created content which has been screened at festivals across the world including at Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the Dubai International Film Festival and Gulf Film Festival. Some of his award-winning and nominated projects include Al Biet Metwahid (Unified Home) (2013), ( (2012), Little Sparta (2016), Swim 62 (2023). Other more recent work includes the documentary ABU DHABI success story (2024), TV series Dreams Drawn by Dust (2022), House of Life (2022), Scattered Barriers (2021), three seasons of The Platform and feature film The Misfits (2021). As CEO of FilmGate, he leads a team of directors, scriptwriters, cameramen, video editors, animators, audio auditors and producers to create engaging and inspiring content from Abu Dhabi. The FilmGate partnership is one of several partnerships CMA is establishing in order to provide further stimulus across the creative industries of Abu Dhabi, of which the production industry is key.
Al Etihad
04-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Creative Media Authority (CMA) partners with UAE production house FilmGate to grow creative industries and promote production sector in Abu Dhabi
4 June 2025 12:11 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Abu Dhabi's Creative Media Authority (CMA) has announced a new partnership with one of the UAE's leading independent, Emirati-owned and operated production houses, FilmGate, to secure a suite of benefits for the wider production industry in Abu will produce a minimum of 15 productions in Abu Dhabi over the next five years. The productions will employ 50 percent of production talent from within the CMA's partnership will also provide extensive learning and development benefits for the ecosystem, including annual workshops hosted by FilmGate for the industry on a specialist production topic and four six-month paid internships per annum for young Emirati talent with a view to providing permanent employment opportunities to grow and nurture talent from within the Director General of Creative Media Authority, Mohamed Dobay, said, 'Establishing partnerships with local and regional production leaders is a key element of our industry development strategy to make Abu Dhabi a global content hub. Alongside attracting the major Hollywood and Bollywood productions, it is critical that we support and increase the Arab content produced in Abu Dhabi to ensure we are building an ecosystem where Emirati and wider Arab narratives can thrive.''The partnerships we are curating are designed to deliver unrivalled opportunities throughout the ecosystem, from employment for our 1000-plus registered freelancers to intern opportunities for our young creatives; these partnerships support on all levels.'Founded by leading Emirati filmmaker, Mansoor Al yahbouni al Dhaheri, FilmGate will also benefit from the recent update on the rebate offered by Abu Dhabi Film Commission where qualifying productions now can apply for cashback on production and postproduction spend starting at 35 percent up to 50 per cent based on meeting a clear set of Executive Officer and Founder of FilmGate, Mansoor Al yahbouni al Dhaheri, added, 'It is a significant year for Abu Dhabi with the new rebate for production starting January 1 and a partnership of this nature with Creative Media Authority will allow us to maximise all that Abu Dhabi offers in terms of filming locations, creative infrastructure, talent and financial support to produce more content than ever before.'As a visionary producer, director, writer, and, most notably, philanthropist, Mr. Mansoor Al Dhaheri, has created content, which has been screened at festivals across the world, including at Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the Dubai International Film Festival and the Gulf Film Festival. Some of his award-winning and nominated projects include Al Biet Metwahid (Unified Home) (2013), ( (2012), Little Sparta (2016), Swim 62 (2023).Other more recent work includes the documentary ABU DHABI success story (2024), TV series Dreams Drawn by Dust (2022), House of Life (2022), Scattered Barriers (2021), three seasons of The Platform and feature film The Misfits (2021).As CEO of FilmGate, he leads a team of directors, scriptwriters, cameramen, video editors, animators, audio auditors, and producers to create engaging and inspiring content from Abu Dhabi. The FilmGate partnership is one of several partnerships CMA is establishing in order to provide further stimulus across the creative industries of Abu Dhabi, of which the production industry is key.
Broadcast Pro
07-05-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
CNN Academy Abu Dhabi celebrates five years of shaping future journalists
Applications for the 2025–26 cohort are now open on the CNN Academy website and will remain available until June 30, 2025. CNN Academy Abu Dhabi, established in 2021 in collaboration with Abu Dhabi's Creative Media Authority (CMA), has completed five successful years of operations, playing a key role in training the next generation of storytellers. Since its inception, the academy has equipped 165 local students, including 93 Emiratis, with advanced journalism skills and by the end of 2025, that number is expected to be reached. The initiative offers intensive training in multiplatform journalism and brings together local talent with international students from countries such as the United States, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Spain, Ireland, Iraq and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. With more than 270 international students expected to complete the program by the end of the fifth cycle in 2025, the academy has become a hub of global collaboration and cultural exchange. Overseen by more than 25 CNN anchors, correspondents and technical experts annually, the programme provides a comprehensive 725 hours of training, including 100 masterclasses and studio-based sessions. Graduates retain lifelong access to CNN Academy's online hub, which features on-demand courses and live-streamed expert-led sessions. Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of Creative Media Authority, said: 'This is a milestone for CNN Academy Abu Dhabi and our partnership with the CNN media brand, and we are extremely proud to have collaborated successfully for five years. After our fifth cycle concludes in November 2025, we will have shaped the careers of 436 young, talented students, including 271 visiting international students alongside 165 local participants. 'Securing the future talent of journalism in the nation continues to be a measure of success for the wider creative industries, and we look forward to not only continuing but building on the momentum and success established in this first half-decade.' In 2025, CNN Academy Abu Dhabi will adopt 'Community Storytelling' as its central theme, aligning with the UAE's official Year of Community. The upcoming cohort, set to begin in mid-September, will aim to follow in the footsteps of 33 alumni who have already secured roles or internships in Abu Dhabi's creative sectors. Becky Anderson, Managing Editor of CNN Abu Dhabi and anchor of Connect the World with Becky Anderson, added: 'It feels entirely appropriate that we should be marking the fifth year of CNN Academy by celebrating the importance of Community Storytelling. In so many ways, the story of CNN Academy itself has been about community – whether that is uplifting the community of young storytellers here in the region or bringing others here to Abu Dhabi from all over the world to create a new and enduring international community of journalists and content creators. We're incredibly proud of all our graduates and grateful for the unstinting support of our partners. We cannot wait to welcome the new cohort to CNN Academy later this year.' In a move, the academy has partnered with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) to offer academic assessments and credits, bridging the gap between academic education and media careers. Plans are also underway to establish more educational partnerships and to host a careers fair tailored to media students. Since 2023, the academy has expanded its reach through specialised training sessions for local organisations, serving 139 individuals across 30 entities by the end of 2025. Participants undergo hands-on training in a wide range of essential journalism skills, from visual storytelling and fact-checking to mobile reporting and deadline management. The programme culminates in Simulation Week, a real-time newsroom experience conducted under the guidance of CNN professionals and alongside international peers. Aysha Al Jneibi, Director of Talent Management at Creative Media Authority, commented: 'This year, we are aligning CNN Academy Abu Dhabi's annual changing theme with the Year of Community to ensure we deliver impactful training around stories which really affect our local and global community. I am looking forward to witnessing a fresh group of fervent students upskill and springboard their forthcoming journalism and storytelling careers through one of our many established talent management initiatives.' Applications for the 2025–26 cohort are currently open and will close on June 30, 2025, via the CNN Academy website.
