The Dubai ruler has “ordered” that Dubai becomes the centre for Arab drama production.

“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai has ordered Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI) to focus on making Dubai the centre of Arab drama production,” said a statement on June 13.

And the statement – or Royal Decree – is not without substance. Dubai has already “invested” billions of dollars in up-market real estate schemes, which when tied into attractive tax-breaks, have already dramatically boosted local production. The Dubai Media City development is significantly over-subscribed, and Dubai Studio City is well on its way to matching this effort.

However, for Dubai, despite the glitz and glamour, to start rivalling Cairo, Beirut, Damascus and the other important regional production centres it will need to expand not just its facilities but its craft skills. And these other cities are relatively inexpensive in comparison to Dubai.

Ahmed Al Shaikh, Managing Director of DMI, on Monday this week hosted the first stage of his efforts, a celebrity event in Dubai to announce Dubai TV’s Ramadan line-up for this year. The holy month of Ramadan is the Arab world’s Christmas, New Year and Thanksgiving all rolled into one, and when each of the rival broadcasters brings out its TV big guns.

Via [ RapidTVNews ]