Overview
twofour54 is Abu Dhabi’s media and entertainment free zone, named after the emirate’s geographic coordinates (24.54). Operated under Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, twofour54 supports the full spectrum of media production including film, television, gaming, digital content, publishing, and music. The zone has attracted major Hollywood and Bollywood productions and hosts a growing community of regional and international media companies.
License Types
twofour54 offers commercial licenses for media trading, professional licenses for production companies, advertising agencies, and consultancies, freelance permits for independent creatives and journalists, and specialised production permits for film, television, and gaming projects. The zone also provides temporary permits for visiting production crews.
Costs
License fees at twofour54 start at approximately AED 15,000 for freelance permits. Full company licenses range upward depending on activity type and staffing levels. The free zone offers competitive office rates with co-working spaces, private offices, and purpose-built production studios. Abu Dhabi’s 30 percent cashback rebate on qualifying production spend significantly reduces costs for content producers.
Setup Process
Applicants register through the twofour54 portal, select their media or creative activity, reserve a trade name, submit incorporation documents, secure office or studio space, and complete visa formalities. The process typically takes five to seven business days. Production companies may need to coordinate with the Abu Dhabi Film Commission for location permits and rebate applications.
Benefits
twofour54 provides 100 percent foreign ownership, zero percent corporate and personal income tax on qualifying activities, full capital and profit repatriation, and access to Abu Dhabi’s 30 percent production rebate. The zone offers world-class production facilities including sound stages, post-production suites, and motion capture studios.
Location and Infrastructure
twofour54 is located in Yas Island and Khalifa City areas of Abu Dhabi, with campus facilities near Yas Creative Hub. The infrastructure includes film studios, sound stages, post-production facilities, motion capture studios, recording studios, office buildings, co-working spaces, and the Yas Creative Hub community. The location provides easy access to Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Key Sectors
twofour54 supports film and television production, animation, gaming development, digital content creation, broadcasting, advertising, publishing, music production, virtual reality, and media technology. The zone is Abu Dhabi’s primary vehicle for building a diversified media and creative economy.
Ideal Setup Profile
twofour54 is best suited for film and TV production companies, gaming studios, animation houses, broadcasters, digital content creators, and media entrepreneurs seeking Abu Dhabi’s production infrastructure, the 30 percent rebate programme, and a purpose-built creative community.