Arts & Design News

Shams Studios: A New 9,600 sqm Global Production Hub in the UAE

Sharjah Media City (Shams) has officially announced the launch of Shams Studios, a significant new production complex designed to establish Sharjah as a global centre for film, television, and streaming content creation. The facility will feature 9,600 square meters of purpose-built soundstages equipped with world-class technical specifications. Shams Studios aims to become one of the most significant and advanced studio developments in the Middle East. As studio space shortages persist in North America and Europe, Shams Studios aims to offer international producers, especially those from the UK, US, and India, high-capacity stages, competitive production environments, and strategic access to various global markets. Arriving at a time when studio space shortages continue to affect North America and Europe, Shams Studios aims to provide international producers, particularly from the UK, US, and India, with high-capacity stages, competitive production environments, and strategic access to multiple global markets. Shams Studios is planned to open with five purpose-built soundstages, offering a total of 9,600 square meters of indoor production space. The facilities include three stages of 1,500 square meters each, another stage of 2,000 square meters, and a larger flagship stage measuring 3,100 square meters. Each stage has been designed to comply with international acoustic, structural, and electrical standards, making the facility suitable for a wide range of production needs. This includes high-end television and streaming dramas, feature films and franchises, large entertainment formats, multi-set productions, and hybrid digital or virtual production workflows. Shams Studios is positioned alongside major regional hubs, including Dubai Studio City, Abu Dhabi's twofour54, and Saudi Arabia's NEOM Media Industries. Located within Sharjah Media City’s wider creative ecosystem, Shams Studios will also include a range of supporting facilities. These will feature a planned 700-seat theatre for screenings, premieres, and cultural events, as well as the Creative Oasis district, which offers public, educational, and cultural spaces. Additional amenities include workshops, production offices, post-production facilities, and dedicated talent development labs designed to support training and growth for regional creators. This integrated environment supports the entire creative cycle, from development and production to exhibition and industry engagement. Strategically positioned between Europe, India, Africa, and Asia, Shams Studios offers several practical advantages for international productions. These include strong global connectivity, dependable infrastructure, cost-efficient production conditions, access to a wide range of locations and multicultural talent, and convenient time-zone alignment with teams in the UK and Europe. Shams Studios aims to attract major productions seeking large-scale production, availability, and year-round filming conditions. 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."