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UAE Film Committee Secures Landmark Co-Production Deal for 'Neon Doha'

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 4:01 GMT by Variety

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UAE Film Committee Secures Landmark Co‑Production Deal for “Neon Doha”

On April 4 2025, Variety reported that the United Arab Emirates’ state‑run Film Committee has inked a co‑production agreement with a foreign partner for the upcoming feature film Neon Doha. The deal, described as the first of its kind for the committee, marks a significant step in the UAE’s strategy to position itself as a regional hub for high‑budget, internationally marketable cinema.

The Project at a Glance

Neon Doha is a contemporary drama that follows the life of 27‑year‑old Samir, a tech‑savvy entrepreneur trying to navigate the rapidly evolving social landscape of Dubai. The script—written by local screenwriter Karim Al‑Zahra—concentrates on the juxtaposition of traditional values and the neon‑lit pulse of the city’s nightlife. Director Hassan Thawadi, who previously helmed the critically acclaimed short Oasis (2022), is expected to bring a nuanced, visual style to the story.

The film will shoot on location across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, using the cities’ iconic skyscrapers, street markets, and underground clubs as a backdrop. Production is slated to begin in late summer 2025, with a shooting schedule that will span eight weeks and a total budget of approximately US$12 million. The UAE Film Committee will contribute roughly 35 % of the budget, while the co‑producer will provide the remaining 65 % and handle the bulk of international distribution efforts.

Co‑Production Partner and Distribution Strategy

The foreign co‑producer is Mosaic Films, a New York‑based company known for its work on independent dramas and art‑house projects. Mosaic has previously partnered with the UAE for short‑film ventures, and its involvement in Neon Doha is intended to provide the technical expertise and market access that the film requires to reach audiences beyond the Gulf.

Under the agreement, Mosaic will manage global sales and distribution, while the UAE Film Committee will take the lead in regional marketing and securing broadcast rights within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. The film is expected to have a multi‑platform release: a premiere at the 2026 Dubai International Film Festival, followed by theatrical runs in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, and later streaming distribution on major platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Significance for the UAE Film Landscape

The co‑production deal underscores the UAE’s broader push to diversify its cultural exports. The UAE Film Committee, established in 2019 as part of the government’s “Creative Industries Initiative,” has been working to attract foreign investment, develop local talent, and build infrastructure that supports large‑scale film production. This is the first time the committee has signed a co‑production agreement for a feature‑length narrative film, and it is expected to serve as a template for future collaborations.

Dr. Aisha Al‑Sabah, the committee’s chief executive, commented on the partnership’s importance. “This collaboration not only brings financial resources to a project that reflects our cultural identity but also showcases the UAE’s capacity to produce cinema that resonates on a global level,” she said. “We are committed to fostering a vibrant film ecosystem that nurtures local talent and engages international audiences.”

Industry analysts note that such deals can reduce the financial risk for domestic productions while allowing the committee to retain creative influence. “Co‑production agreements are a win‑win,” said Laura Kendall, a film‑industry consultant who has studied Middle‑East film markets. “They bring in capital, expertise, and a pre‑established distribution network. In return, the host country gains access to new stories and higher production values.”

Background on the Film’s Creatives

Hassan Thawadi has gained a reputation for blending documentary realism with stylistic storytelling. His previous works, such as Oasis (2022) and the short The Last Call (2019), have won awards at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival and the International Film Festival Rotterdam, respectively. Neon Doha is his first feature‑length project and has attracted attention for its focus on youth culture and the shifting social fabric of the UAE.

Karim Al‑Zahra, the screenwriter, has been a rising voice in the Gulf’s new wave of filmmakers. He first gained notoriety with the short Dust Trails (2017), which was screened at the Busan International Film Festival. The script for Neon Doha was shortlisted for the International Screenwriting Competition in 2024, and Al‑Zahra has spoken publicly about the challenges and rewards of writing a story that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Looking Ahead

While the co‑production deal is still in its early stages, the film’s production team is already mapping out the narrative beats and scouting locations. The UAE Film Committee has earmarked a dedicated production hub in Dubai’s Al Maktoum district, where the set for Neon Doha will be built. The committee’s commitment to training local crews—through workshops, internships, and a partnership with the Dubai Film and Media Academy—ensures that a significant portion of the technical crew will be UAE nationals.

In addition to the cinematic release, the project will include a community outreach program that invites local students to participate in behind‑the‑scenes workshops, aiming to inspire a new generation of filmmakers in the region. The film’s themes of cultural identity and generational change dovetail with the UAE’s broader vision of a “creative economy” that supports arts and culture as key drivers of innovation.

Conclusion

The co‑production agreement for Neon Doha represents a milestone for the UAE’s Film Committee and for the broader Middle‑East film market. By partnering with an established international producer, the UAE is not only able to finance a high‑budget, high‑profile project but also signals its readiness to compete on a global stage. As Neon Doha moves from pre‑production into filming, industry watchers will be keen to see how this collaboration translates into a film that balances local authenticity with universal appeal—a testament to the evolving dynamics of global cinema in the 21st century.