{{Short description|Media company in Abu Dhabi}} {{use dmy dates|date=April 2023}} {{Lowercase title}} {{Infobox organization | full_name = | image = Twofour54 Logo.png | name = twofour54 | formation = 2008 | founder = Government Backed Initiative | headquarters = Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | location = United Arab Emirates | parent_organization = ADNEC Group (A MODON Company) | website = {{URL|twofour54.com}} }} '''twofour54''' is a media and entertainment production company setup by Abu Dhabi government and located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2013-10-16 |title=The Abu Dhabi Media Summit: interview with Wayne Borg, Twofour54 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media-network/media-network-blog/2013/oct/16/abu-dhabi-media-summit-wayne-borg |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |quote=Twofour54 was set up as an initiative of the Abu Dhabi government with a vision to contribute to the diversification of the economy there.}}</ref> Many major Hollywood productions have done production work in twofour54's facilities.<ref name="no2">{{cite web |date=2020-11-25 |title=CNN, Ubisoft Set to Join Abu Dhabi's Yas Creative Hub Development |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cnn-ubisoft-set-to-join-abu-dhabis-yas-creative-hub-development |accessdate=2021-03-02 |work=Hollywood Reporter}}</ref>
==Location and area== twofour54 is located in and named after the geographical coordinates of Abu Dhabi (24° N, 54° E), capital of the United Arab Emirates.<ref name=no18>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/13/business/media/13deal.html |title=Reaching for a Higher Profile, Abu Dhabi Opens a Hub for Western Media - The New York Times |work=The New York Times |date=2008-10-13 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref> The media free zone's main campus is located on the mainland (Yas Island).<ref name=no2/> It also operates a 300,000 square meter backlot in Kizad<ref name=no19>{{cite news |last1=Newbould |first1=Chris |title=A look inside twofour54's Kizad backlot |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/film/a-look-inside-twofour54-s-kizad-backlot-1.725755 |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=The National |date=29 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=twofour54 Introduces the Middle East’s First Virtual Solutions for Productions |url=https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/technology/twofour54-introduces-the-middle-easts-first-virtual-solutions-for-productions/ |access-date=2025-10-21 |website=www.mediaoffice.abudhabi |language=en}}</ref> and production studios in Mussafah,<ref name=no20>{{cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/arab-celebs/inside-inheritance-the-first-ever-arab-soap-opera-being-filmed-in-uae-1.70073824 |title=Inside 'Inheritance', the first ever Arab soap opera being filmed in UAE | Arab-celebs – Gulf News |publisher=Gulfnews.com |date=2020-03-02 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref> with Yas Creative Hub on Yas Island.<ref name=no21>{{cite web|first=Nick |last=Vivarelli |url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/abu-dhabi-yas-creative-hub-media-gaming-entertainment-industry-1234838957/ |title=Abu Dhabi Announces Yas Creative Hub For Entertainment Industry |work=Variety |date=2020-11-25 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref>
==Background== The media free zone twofour54 was founded in 2008.<ref name=no4>{{cite web|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/48828940 |title=Commentary: Media in the UAE: The Abu Dhabi powerhouse |date= |accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref> It falls under Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company's remit,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-07-04|title=State-owned Abu Dhabi firms transferred to new parent company|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/state-owned-abu-dhabi-firms-transferred-to-new-parent-company-1.882597|access-date=2021-04-08|website=The National|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=11 Abu Dhabi entities come under one roof|url=https://gulfnews.com/business/11-abu-dhabi-entities-come-under-one-roof-1.65012237|access-date=2021-04-08|website=gulfnews.com|date=3 July 2019 |language=en}}</ref> as a government-backed media and creative industries hub.<ref name=levine2012>{{cite web | last=Levine | first=Sydney | title=Peter Scarlet Leaves and is now former director of Abu Dhabi Film Festival | website=Medium | date=9 August 2012| url=https://blogs.sydneysbuzz.com/peter-scarlet-leaves-and-is-now-former-director-of-abu-dhabi-film-festival-ac7083a6b61f | access-date=14 April 2023}}</ref> Former Universal executive Wayne Borg joined the company as chief commercial officer, a role in which he served until 2013.<ref name=no5>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wayne-borgs-exit-abu-dhabi-664923 |title=Wayne Borg's Exit From Abu Dhabi's Twofour54 Raises Questions for Middle Eastern Industry |work=Hollywood Reporter |date=2013-12-11 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref>
In 2012, twofour54 took over the operation of the Abu Dhabi Film Festival,<ref name=levine2012/> until its demise in 2015.<ref>{{cite web | last=Arora | first=Vibhuti | title=Abu Dhabi Film Festival to be discontinued | website=BroadcastPro ME | date=7 May 2015 | url=https://www.broadcastprome.com/news/abu-dhabi-film-festival-to-be-discontinued/ | access-date=14 April 2023}}</ref>
In February 2015, twofour54 entered into a strategic partnership with Ericsson, under which Ericsson acquired twofour54's playout operations. As part of the agreement, Ericsson established a broadcast and media services hub in Abu Dhabi aimed at serving broadcasters across the Middle East.<ref>{{Cite web |title=‘توفور54‘ الإماراتية و‘إريكسون‘ تعلنان عن شراكةٍ استراتيجية - ومضة |url=https://www.wamda.com/ar/2015/02/%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%81%D9%88%D8%B154-%D8%A5%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%83%D8%B3%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%83%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%A9 |access-date=2025-10-21 |website=Wamda |language=ar}}</ref>
In May 2018, twofour54 organized the "Media Innovation Forum" in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the contributions of its partners in producing Arabic and English media content aimed at engaging the region's youth.<ref>{{Cite web |last=اليوم |first=أبوظبي-الإمارات |date=2018-05-14 |title=«توفور54» تستعرض إسهام شركائها في إلهام الشباب |url=https://www.emaratalyoum.com/life/four-sides/2018-05-15-1.1098985 |access-date=2025-10-21 |website=www.emaratalyoum.com |language=ar}}</ref>
In 2020, Michael Garin was appointed CEO of twofour54.<ref name="no15" />
The zone is home to a large number of international and local media companies,<ref name=no6>{{cite web|url=https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/overview/ready-prime-time-calculated-investments-and-incentives-aimed-developing-local-production-capacity |title=Why have media producers flocked to Abu Dhabi |publisher=Oxford Business Group |date= 13 July 2020|accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref> and offers infrastructure and support, such as end-to-end production services,<ref name="no1">{{cite web |date= |title=Director-General of Abu Dhabi Media Office and CEO of twofour54 discusses the city's booming media industry with business leaders in New York and Los Angeles - The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council |url=https://usuaebusiness.org/director-general-of-abu-dhabi-media-office-and-ceo-of-twofour54-discusses-the-citys-booming-media-industry-with-business-leaders-in-new-york-and-los-angeles/ |accessdate=2021-03-02 |publisher=Usuaebusiness.org}}</ref> government and travel services,<ref name=no1/> 100% business ownership,<ref name=no7>{{cite web|url=https://www.vz.ae/blog/setting-company-twofour54-free-zone |title=Setting up a company in twofour54 Free Zone |publisher=Virtuzone|date=2018-01-04 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref> and set-up and licensing.<ref name=no8>{{cite web|author=WAM |url=https://gulfnews.com/uae/freelance-license-holders-eligible-for-residence-visa-1.525490 |title=Freelance license holders eligible for residence visa | Uae – Gulf News |publisher=Gulf News |date=2009-11-09 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref>
twofour54 houses media companies in the audio, visual, and print industries,<ref name="no9">{{cite web|date=25 November 2020|title=Abu Dhabi's twofour54 bets big on film | WIRED Middle East|url=https://wired.me/culture/film/abu-dhabi-twofour54-media-film-zone/|work=Wired.me|accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref><ref name="no10">{{cite web|date=2012-05-19|title=Cannes 2012: Abu Dhabi's twofour54 to Launch Production Incentives|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cannes-abu-dhabi-twofour54-incentives-326676|work=Hollywood Reporter|accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref><ref name="no11">{{cite web|date=|title=Spectrum Digital Print Solutions Continues Expansion With Opening Of Fourth Outlet In Twofour54, Abu Dhabi|url=https://www.uaetoday.com/news_details_ad.asp?newsid=5370|publisher=UAE Today|accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref> as well as news outlets and digital app creators.<ref name=no12>{{cite web|author=Staff Reporter|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/general/malayalam-digital-radio-to-hit-airwaves |title=Malayalam digital radio to hit airwaves - News |publisher=Khaleej Times |date=2013-12-19 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref><ref name="no13">{{Cite web|date=2016-04-24|title=CNN unveils upgraded, high-tech studio at twofour54 in Abu Dhabi|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/cnn-unveils-upgraded-high-tech-studio-at-twofour54-in-abu-dhabi-1.146072|access-date=2021-04-22|website=The National|language=en}}</ref><ref name="no14">{{Cite web|date=2010-01-24|title=Flip Media expands into capital|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/flip-media-expands-into-capital-1.536059|access-date=2021-04-22|website=The National|language=en}}</ref> Their facilities also host the first CNN Academy.<ref name="no2" /><ref name="no3">{{cite news |date=22 September 2020 |title=CNN launches Academy in Abu Dhabi |url=https://commercial.cnn.com/cnn-launches-academy-abu-dhabi |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=CNN IC}}</ref>
As of 2020, more than 550 media companies and over 700 freelancers are based at twofour54, which has been involved in over 2,300 international major productions in Abu Dhabi.<ref name=no6/>
In June 2020, twofour54 Abu Dhabi provided support to the media industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, including rent relief and remote work facilitation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=البيان |title=«توفور 54» تدعم «معاً نحن بخير» بفعالية مجتمعية افتراضية |url=https://www.albayan.ae/across-the-uae/news-and-reports/2020-06-05-1.3876294 |access-date=2025-10-21 |website=www.albayan.ae |language=ar}}</ref>
Notable films produced at twofour54 include ''Mission: Impossible – Fallout'',<ref name="no16">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/mission-impossible-fallout-why-biggest-stunt-saw-abu-dhabi-stand-paris-1130267 |title='Mission: Impossible – Fallout': Why the Biggest Stunt Saw Abu Dhabi Stand in for Paris |work=Hollywood Reporter |date=2018-07-27 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref> ''6 Underground''<ref name="no17">{{cite news |last1=Rai |first1=Sarakshi |title=Trailer: Ryan Reynolds stars in new Netflix thriller 6 Underground filmed in Abu Dhabi |url=https://www.esquireme.com/content/39619-ryan-reynold-stars-in-new-netflix-thriller-6-underground |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Esquire Middle East |date=3 October 2019}}</ref> and ''Bharat''.<ref name="no15">{{cite web|first=Nick |last=Vivarelli |url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/u-s-exec-michael-garin-appointed-ceo-of-uae-media-hub-twofour54-1203490639/ |title=U.S. Exec Michael Garin Appointed CEO of UAE Media Hub twofour54 |work=Variety |date=2020-02-03 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref>
In 2021, Stillfront Group acquired Jawaker from Twofour54 Abu Dhabi for AED 753 million as part of its expansion in the Middle East.<ref>{{Cite web |last=الوطن |first=جريدة |date=2021-09-17 |title=“توفور 54 ” تعلن استحواذ المجموعة السويدية “ستيل فرونت” على شركة “جواكر” للألعاب الإلكترونية |url=https://alwatan.ae/posts/850318 |access-date=2025-10-21 |website=جريدة الوطن |language=ar}}</ref>
In 2021, Twofour54 inaugurated the Yas Creative Hub, a purpose-built campus on Yas Island. It spans approximately 2.9 million square feet and it accommodates over 600 companies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Abu Dhabi's Yas Creative Hub set to open in late 2021 |url=https://www.screenglobalproduction.com/news/2020/11/25/abu-dhabis-yas-creative-hub-set-to-open-in-late-2021 |access-date=2025-10-21 |website=www.screenglobalproduction.com}}</ref>
In April 2022, twofour54 Abu Dhabi launched an initiative to support digital content creators in the Middle East through training, mentorship, and access to production facilities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=البيان |title=«توفور 54».. استثمار في الألعاب الإلكترونية |url=https://www.albayan.ae/technology/2022-04-10-1.4411452 |access-date=2025-10-21 |website=www.albayan.ae |language=ar}}</ref>
In July 2022, twofour54 appointed Mark Whitehead as its CEO.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Report |first=Gulf News |date=2022-07-26 |title=Mark Whitehead appointed twofour54 CEO |url=https://gulfnews.com/business/corporate-news/mark-whitehead-appointed-twofour54-ceo-1.89520799 |access-date=2025-10-21 |website=Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, travel news, Dubai Gold rate, prayer time, cinema |language=en}}</ref>
In September 2022, Twofour54 Abu Dhabi launched "The Community Hub" at Yas Creative Hub, a space designed to support gamers, filmmakers, and content creators with collaborative facilities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-29 |title=«كوميونيتي هب».. مساحة مفتوحة للإعلام والأفلام وسرد القصص |url=https://www.emaratalyoum.com/life/four-sides/2022-09-30-1.1672724 |access-date=2025-10-21 |website=www.emaratalyoum.com |language=ar}}</ref>
In August 2023, Twofour54 announced plans to develop a new film studio complex in Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2025. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-02 |title=Abu Dhabi will open twofour54 film studios in 2025 |url=https://www.factmagazines.com/entertainment/abu-dhabi-will-open-twofour54-film-studios-in-2025 |access-date=2025-10-21 |website=Fact Magazines |language=en}}</ref>
==Past productions at twofour54 intaj== ;2010 *''Teta, Alf Marra''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-09-15 |title=Doha Tribeca Film Festival winners for 2010 |url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/doha-tribeca-film-festival-winners-for-2010-1.704373 |access-date=2025-10-21 |website=Gulf News |language=en}}</ref> ;2012 *''The Bourne Legacy''<ref name=no22>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cannes-abu-dhabi-twofour54-incentives-326676 |title=Cannes 2012: Abu Dhabi's twofour54 to Launch Production Incentives |work=Hollywood Reporter |date=2012-05-19 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref>
;2013 *''Deliver Us from Evil''<ref name=no23>{{cite web|first=Nick |last=Vivarelli |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/abu-dhabi-twofour54-thrives-as-mideasts-content-capital-1201331380/ |title=Abu Dhabi: twofour54 Thrives as Mideast's Content Capital |work=Variety |date=2014-10-16 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref>
;2014 *''Baby''<ref name=no24>{{cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/why-bollywood-is-smitten-with-abu-dhabi/1235912/ |title=Why Bollywood is smitten with Abu Dhabi |publisher=The Financial Express |date=2018-07-08 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref> *''Bang Bang!''<ref name=no24/> *''Star Wars: The Force Awakens''<ref name=no25>{{cite web|first=Leo |last=Barraclough |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/festivals/cannes-abu-dhabis-twofour54-is-handling-the-star-wars-abu-dhabi-shoot-1201187732/ |title=Why 'Star Wars: Episode VII' Decided to Shoot in Abu Dhabi (EXCLUSIVE) |work=Variety |date=2014-05-21 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref> *''Fast & Furious 7''<ref name="no26">{{Cite web|last=Nagraj|first=Aarti|date=2014-05-19|title=Hollywood Movie Fast & Furious 7 Completes Filming In Abu Dhabi|url=https://gulfbusiness.com/hollywood-movie-fast-furious-7-completes-filming-abu-dhabi/|access-date=2021-04-22|website=Gulf Business|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=no27>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fast-furious-7-film-abu-688037 |title='Fast & Furious 7' to Film in Abu Dhabi |work=Hollywood Reporter |date=2014-12-03 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref> *''The Bold and the Beautiful''<ref name=no29>{{cite web|last=Schreck |first=Adam |url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/the-bold-and-the-beautiful-lands-in-the-emirates |title='The Bold and the Beautiful' lands in the Emirates |publisher=Washingtonexaminer.com |date=2014-03-17 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref> *''Top Gear''<ref name=no24/>
;2015 *''War Machine''<ref name=no24/> *''The World Keeps Spinning''<ref name=no31>{{cite web|url=https://www.albawaba.com/entertainment/world-keeps-spinning-will-smiths-dj-son-uae-775270 |title='The World Keeps Spinning' for Will Smith's DJ son in the UAE! |publisher=Al Bawaba |date=2015-11-24 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref>
;2016 *''Dishoom''<ref name=no24/>
;2017 *''Justice: Qalb Al Adala'' *''Tiger Zinda Hai''<ref name=no24/>
;2018 *''Race 3''<ref name=no24/> *''Mission Impossible: Fallout (Gemini)''<ref name=no16/>
;2019 *''Saaho'' *''Bharat''<ref name=no15/> *''6 Underground''<ref name=no17/> *''Mirage''<ref name="no37">{{Cite web|date=2019-04-12|title=Abu Dhabi's SWAT team film scenes for new TV show with actor Clive Standen|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/television/abu-dhabi-s-swat-team-film-scenes-for-new-tv-show-with-actor-clive-standen-1.848049|access-date=2021-04-08|website=The National|language=en}}</ref> *''Ghost''<ref name=no39>{{cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/arab-celebs/uae-director-al-murry-returns-with-horror-comedy-ghost-1.65408599 |title=UAE director Al Murry returns with horror comedy 'Ghost' | Arab-celebs – Gulf News |publisher=Gulfnews.com |date=2019-07-24 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref>
;2020 *''Sonic the Hedgehog''<ref name=no36>{{cite news |last1=Pereira |first1=Nikhil |title=twoFour54 reveals filming key scenes of Sonic the Hedgehog in Abu Dhabi |url=https://www.itp.net/news/91998-twofour54-reveals-filming-key-scenes-of-sonic-the-hedgehog-in-abu-dhabi |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=ITP.net |date=8 April 2020}}</ref>
;2021 *''Newton's Cradle'' *''The 45 Rules of Divorce'' *''Bunty Aur Babli 2''<ref name=no40>{{cite web|url=https://www.broadcastprome.com/news/twofour54-announces-wrap-of-bollywood-film-bunty-aur-babli-2-in-abu-dhabi/ |title=twofour54 announces wrap of Bollywood film 'Bunty Aur Babli 2' in Abu Dhabi |publisher=BroadcastPro ME |date= 3 March 2020|accessdate=2021-03-02}}</ref> *''Dune''
;2022 *''Heropanti 2'' *''Vikram Vedha''
;2023 *''Bloody Daddy'' *''Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One''
;2024 *''Dune: Part Two''
;2025 *''War 2''
== Notable companies at twofour54 ==
* CNN<ref name="no2" /> * Edelman<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-05-24|title=Edelman UAE Shifts HQ To twoFour54 Media Zone In Abu Dhabi|url=https://arabianmarketer.ae/edelman-uae-shifts-hq-twofour54-media-zone-abu-dhabi/|access-date=2021-04-08|website=AM Marketing, Media, Advertising News in MENA|language=en-US}}</ref> * Euronews * Fox News<ref>{{Cite news|date=2010-03-08|title=Fox International partners with Abu Dhabi firm|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/fox-abudhabi-idCNLDE6270Y020100308|access-date=2021-04-08}}</ref> * Forbes * M&C Saatchi<ref>{{Cite web|last=Nagraj|first=Aarti|date=2017-05-22|title=Abu Dhabi's Aldar wins deal to develop twofour54's new freezone in Yas Island|url=https://gulfbusiness.com/abu-dhabis-aldar-to-develop-twofour54s-new-dhs1bn-free-zone-in-yas-island/|access-date=2021-04-08|website=Gulf Business|language=en-US}}</ref> * The National (Abu Dhabi)<ref>{{Cite web|title=The National, twofour54, Building 6,, Abu Dhabi (2021)|url=http://www.findglocal.com/AE/Abu-Dhabi/148788988477345/The-National|access-date=2021-04-08|website=www.findglocal.com}}</ref> * Oracle<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brenda|date=2018-08-15|title=twofour54 – Growing Media Freezone In Abu Dhabi - Riz & Mona Blog|url=https://www.rizmona.com/blog/twofour54-fastest-growing-media-fz-abu-dhabi/|access-date=2021-04-08|website=Riz & Mona|language=en-US}}</ref> * Russia Today * Sky News Arabia<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rapid TV News - Sky News Arabia seals cross platform carriage deals|url=https://www.rapidtvnews.com/2012050221622/sky-news-arabia-seals-cross-platform-carriage-deals.amp.html|access-date=2021-04-08|website=www.rapidtvnews.com}}</ref> * Sports 360<ref>{{Cite web|date=2011-06-28|title=Sport 360 plans online overhaul|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/technology/sport-360-plans-online-overhaul-1.392424|access-date=2021-04-08|website=The National|language=en}}</ref> * Ubisoft<ref name="no2" />
==See also== * Dubai Media City * Dubai Production City * IMPZ * Creative City * Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company * Abu Dhabi Film Commission
==References== {{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
==External links== *{{official website|https://www.twofour54.com/en/}}
{{Media cities in the Arab World}} {{Abu Dhabi topics}}
Category:Companies based in Abu Dhabi Category:Buildings and structures in Abu Dhabi Category:Mass media in Abu Dhabi Category:Free-trade zones of the United Arab Emirates Category:2008 establishments in the United Arab Emirates Category:Government-owned companies of Abu Dhabi