Qatar Unveils Film & TV Incentive Offering Cash Rebate Of Up To 50%

Gulf state Qatar has launched its first official film and TV incentive as part of its drive to become a major media and entertainment hub.

The new scheme – called the Qatar Screen Production Incentive (QSPI) Programme – was announced by the country’s Qatar Film Committee in the opening session of a three-day industry event gathering a raft of international, regional and local heavy-hitters.

Described by the committee as one of the most generous incentive schemes in the Gulf region, the QSPI offers up to 50% cash rebate on qualifying Qatari production expenditure.

The top rate can be achieved by combining a 40% base rebate with an additional uplift of up to 10 per cent for productions that meet defined criteria such as hiring Qatari talent, investing in local training, promoting Qatari culture, and other aspects of industry development.

The incentive will allow production to complete portions of their filming in neighbouring Arab countries while remaining eligible under the programme. Where up to 25% of the project’s total qualifying expenditure is incurred in a selected country, those costs can also be rebated.

The new incentive was described as a cornerstone of the Film Committee’s vision to build a sustainable, analytics-driven production ecosystem rooted in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region and connected to the Global South.

The announcement of the incentive was accompanied by news of partnerships with Neon and Department M, with a flurry of other agreements also expected over the coming days.

“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 the committee’s chair Hassan Al Thawadi, who previously oversaw the organization of the 2022 World Cup.

“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.”

The incentive programme will be open for applications from Q2 2026, with detailed guidelines available through the Film Committee at Media City Qatar.