Media & Tourism

Media

The U.A.E. is increasingly becoming a media hub for the region, serving as a key crossroads and attracting international institutions and partners. Spearheaded by Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, twofour54, the Abu Dhabi-based media conglomerate, is rapidly becoming a major player in the international media and entertainment space.

U.S. entertainment companies recognize the growing prominence and capabilities of the U.A.E. media industry, as well as the ease of doing business and generous production rebates. Hollywood production companies and directors are increasingly partnering with their counterparts in the U.A.E. on major blockbusters. Since 2011, six major Hollywood franchises have been filmed in the U.A.E., including: Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol; Mission: Impossible – Fallout; Fast Furious 7; Star Wars 7; and Star Trek 3.

Tourism

The U.A.E. is rapidly becoming a popular tourist destination, with U.A.E. airports handling more than 120 million passengers in 2016, including visitors from the U.S., Europe, Russia, Asia, and Africa. In addition to some of the best hotels in the world, the U.A.E. is a host to a wide array of international conferences and events, including, but not limited to: The World Future Energy Summit; Arab Health; the International Defense Exhibition & Conference; Dubai World Cup, the Dubai Airshow; and, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Part of the U.A.E.’s extensive tourism growth has been due to its growing role as a global aviation hub. Etihad Airways and Emirates Airline, both founding members of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, continue to make travel to the U.A.E. more convenient, with the addition of new destinations and non-stop flights. U.A.E. airlines transport millions of passengers on more than 270 flights per week between the U.A.E. and 12 U.S. gateways.