By From popstars to hip-hop royalty and EDM DJs, more and more artists are shooting cool music videos here in the Emirate. Music video production in Dubai is on the rise. a.k.a. Media boss Yasser Obeid is witnessing this first-hand. His Dubai headquartered firm has masterminded ambitious music videos now garnering millions of views. Yasser tells iamCrü why Dubai is a hotspot for music videos…
“From Cardi B and Rita Ora to Wiz Khalifa, many global superstars have filmed music videos in and around Dubai. Music video production in Dubai is on the rise and it’s worth asking why. There are many good reasons why the international film-making and artistic community is choosing to hit the UAE to make their visual mark.
First up – and this is very important – Dubai and the UAE acted swiftly to launch an early Covid-19 vaccination programme. Given the country’s small size and population, the international community feels safer coming to UAE shores than many other countries. Dubai also opened its doors to travellers a lot earlier than many other countries. While Covid-19 health and safety protocols are in place, having one of the world’s most vaccinated populations is also incredibly reassuring when assembling an internationally diverse crew.
Impress
Secondly, location, location, location. In all my years living and working with international crews in Dubai, the Emirate never fails to impress. From downtown’s stark modernist architecture to the breathtaking beauty of the desert, mountains and beaches, all just short distances apart, location spotting and logistics are easy. When it comes to creating a city of the future, we offer the perfect spot. For ‘Mad Max’ post-apocalyptic style, we offer the perfect spot. When it comes to desert, we offer the perfect spot.
The Emirate is easy to get around. That might seem like a simple point but if you have to move around a large crew, equipment and the talent, things can get complicated. The UAE’s road network is perfect and transportation is still cheap compared to other places.
Fantastic Light
I believe word has spread among the international film community that Dubai is open, safe, easy to do business, cost effective and, of course, a cool, fun, interesting place to be. We can source all sorts of technical equipment easily, there’s a ready and willing pool of highly experienced international crew and talent on hand, with many crew and artists based right here in Dubai. And let’s not forget the guaranteed sunshine and fantastic light all year round.
Over and above all this, the government is actively helpful in attracting foreign business in the sector. There is a range of state-level and local programmes and incentives available, particularly for filming in Abu Dhabi. When working with superstars, it’s often possible to work on a collaborative basis for some locations and venues, too.
Unique
We have other interesting things here which are not easy to find elsewhere. For example, we sourced unique custom-made cars for our recent Alan Walker shoot. Dubai has always been a globally significant trading hub. It’s a place where, with the right search, we can find almost everything any music video production crew might need – and if something can’t be found we can produce it.
Futuristic
Another recent epic shoot involved a 60-strong international crew hanging out in the Al Qudra desert to produce a futuristic music video for Max Barskih and Zivert’s Bestseller track. We got a hold of 18 1 x 2 metre tempered mirrors just to break them on camera. We made people fly, with the artists rigged at heights of five to six metres at some points. So, we had exploding mirrors, surfing on a futuristic surfboard across the desert, laser beams and lighting drones – just another day in the Dubai desert, really.
Streamlined
Barskih and Zivert’s production is also a good example of how gaining permission for technical, complex and lengthy shoots is smooth. The government has streamlined the process, Abu Dhabi offers tax breaks for film production, and comparatively speaking, Dubai and the UAE are cost-effective places to shoot. Let’s not forget Cardi B’s tweet boasting she paid just $15,000 back in 2017 to film the video for her breakthrough single Bodak Yellow.
Dubai has cache among the international jet set community. It holds serious interest for investors, business leaders and people interested in pursuing innovation. It’s a place where creative imaginations can run wild. The city makes everyone feel welcome and that they can achieve their dreams here. Ultimately, the more people see productions made in the UAE, the more interested they are in the region and the landscapes we have to offer.
Positive Outlook
Dubai has the potential to attract more and more international artists to shoot music videos in the Emirate. And as we move into the post-pandemic world, Dubai ticks all the boxes for creative music video producers to make stunning content with everything they need to hand. From my perspective, it’s a very positive outlook. We’ll see music video production in Dubai grow and grow over the next decade.”
Main photo: Max Barskih and Zivert video shoot
Also read: Discover the Underground Sounds of Iran Through Beshknow Radio
