Qatar ups cash rebate scheme to potential 50%

Qatar has boosted its film and TV production cash rebate to a potential 50%, to attract further international film and TV shoots to the country.

Announced at the opening of Doha Film Festival’s Industry Days, the Qatar Screen Production Incentive (QSPI) offers up to 50% cash rebate on qualifying Qatari production expenditure.

The incentive programme will be open for applications from Q2 2026; and will be administered by the country’s Film Committee at Media City Qatar.

It combines a 40% base rebate with an additional 10% uplift for productions that meet specific criteria, including hiring Qatari talent, investing in local training, promoting Qatari culture, and other aspects of industry development.

Productions will be allowed to complete portions of their filming in neighbouring Arab countries while remaining eligible for the rebate. Where up to 25% of the project’s total qualifying expenditure is incurred in a selected country, those costs can also be rebated.

“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 Hassan Al Thawadi, chairman of the Film Committee at Media City Qatar.

“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.

“This project will complement what already exists. We will listen to the industry needs and develop a robust and transparent rebate programme which best serves it. Our ambition is to build an environment where the best local and regional talent can be developed, to produce authentic stories that reflect our culture with audiences worldwide.”

Qualifying QSPI expenditure includes goods, services and labour, with guidelines available through the Film Committee. The QSPI replaces the previous 30% rebate, which was administered by the Doha Film Institute.

The move was part of a turbo-charged opening to DFF Industry Days, which also saw a partnership announced between US indie studio Neon and the Film Committee.

Further deals will be announced shortly with partners including Sony Pictures and Miramax.

DFF runs until November 28.