Dubai Talent Development Programme Accelerates Creative Talent For Global Series And Co-productions

The Dubai Films and Games Commission has wrapped up a week-long Talent Development Programme that aimed to move original television ideas from concept to industry-ready projects. The initiative, run with the UK’s National Film and Television School and Prime Video, targeted writers and producers based in Dubai.

Positioned under the Dubai Media Council, the Dubai Films and Games Commission designed the Talent Development Programme to strengthen Dubai’s creative media workforce and link it with international partners. The focus stayed on scripted television stories with strong export potential, able to appeal to audiences beyond local and regional markets.

The Talent Development Programme brought together emerging writers and producers for an intensive schedule of masterclasses, small-group workshops, one-to-one mentoring and structured pitching sessions. This mix of activities combined creative development with practical business guidance, aligned with current global commissioning standards and the expectations of major streaming platforms and broadcasters.

Participants worked on their own projects throughout the Talent Development Programme, receiving hands-on feedback from experts. They developed skills in story and character building, project packaging, marketing plans and audience targeting. Training also covered international commissioning processes and co-production models, helping participants understand how projects travel through the global television market.

Through this approach, the Dubai Films and Games Commission helped participants move towards professional pitch materials that meet industry norms. The programme also aimed to increase confidence when dealing with global stakeholders, so writers and producers could engage more effectively with streamers, broadcasters, producers and potential co-production partners worldwide.

Ayesha bin Kalli, Head of Talent Development at the Dubai Films and Games Commission, said: "The programme’s outcomes reflect our commitment to building sustainable talent pathways and equipping Dubai-based creatives with the skills, confidence and industry insight needed to compete and excel globally. By combining hands-on development, expert mentoring and exposure to international standards, the programme enabled participants to sharpen their ideas, advance industry-ready projects and take the next step in their creative journeys."

Industry context also featured strongly in the Talent Development Programme. A panel examined how series production is evolving across the MENA region, and how regional creators can connect with global platforms. Participants heard about changing audience tastes, commissioning trends and opportunities for locally rooted but internationally relevant stories.

The panel included Marouane Burrour, Senior Content Acquisition Manager for MENA and Turkey at Prime Video; Jonathan Lewsley, Senior Sales Executive for Prime Video International Originals; and filmmaker Nawaf Al Janahi, founder of Blackbox Cinema and Cineolio. Speakers shared views on content demand, cross-border collaboration and Dubai’s role in the wider production landscape.

By working with international schools and major industry players, the Dubai Films and Games Commission continues to back a competitive and future-focused creative ecosystem. The Talent Development Programme supports Dubai’s goal of being a leading global centre for film, television and content creation, with local talent able to operate at international level.

With inputs from WAM