UAE’s Creative Sector Expands with Launch of New 9,600 sqm Shams Studios Complex

Shams Studios has now opened its doors as a dedicated base for global film and television producers, offering modern soundstages and professional facilities built to accommodate major international productions.

Sharjah Media City (Shams) has announced the inauguration of Shams Studios, a major production hub set to elevate Sharjah’s role in the international film, TV, and streaming sectors. Spanning 9,600 square metres, the facility introduces state-of-the-art soundstages crafted to the highest global standards, positioning it as one of the most advanced developments in the Middle East.

With longstanding shortages of studio capacity in Europe and North America, Shams Studios aims to serve as an alternative destination for producers from markets such as the UK, US, and India. The hub offers significant stage availability, competitive production costs, and strong geographical access to a wide network of global markets, responding directly to international industry needs.

The complex launches with five purpose-built soundstages comprising three stages of 1,500 square metres, one 2,000-square-metre stage, and a flagship 3,100-square-metre stage, amounting to 9,600 square metres of indoor production space.

Designed to meet stringent acoustic, structural, and electrical criteria, the stages can accommodate a broad array of production types, including premium series, feature films, multi-set entertainment formats, and projects requiring sophisticated virtual or hybrid production workflows.

The facility joins a growing ecosystem of regional media hubs, standing alongside established developments such as Dubai Studio City, Abu Dhabi’s twofour54, and NEOM Media Industries in Saudi Arabia.

Located at the heart of Sharjah Media City’s creative district, Shams Studios will also house additional facilities for the wider creative community. These include a planned 700-seat theatre for premieres and cultural gatherings, the Creative Oasis space for public engagement and learning, and full-service operational areas such as workshops, post-production facilities, production offices, and training labs for talent development.

This integrated offering is designed to provide cradle-to-delivery support for creators, from early-stage concept work to production, post-production, and public exhibition.

Its strategic placement between several major global regions offers tangible benefits to international producers, including reliable connectivity, robust infrastructure, affordable production conditions, diverse locations, multicultural creative talent, and time-zone alignment with the UK and other European territories.

Shams Studios expects to attract large-scale international productions seeking available space, high capacity, and consistent filming conditions throughout the year.

H.E. Mr Rashid Abdulla Al Obad, Director General of Sharjah Media City (Shams), stated:
“Shams Studios marks a significant advancement in Sharjah’s vision to become a global hub for film and content creation. With 9,600 square meters of purpose-built stages and a vibrant creative ecosystem, we are prepared to welcome international productions and support the next generation of storytellers in the region.”

About Sharjah Media City (Shams)

Sharjah Media City (Shams) is a thriving free zone in the Emirate of Sharjah, dedicated to empowering media, content creation, production, and the creative industries. Shams provides state-of-the-art infrastructure, business services, training platforms, and a dynamic ecosystem for entrepreneurs, filmmakers, and creative professionals.