Sharjah Media City (Shams) has officially announced Shams Studios, an extensive new production hub set to elevate Sharjah’s global profile in film, streaming and television creation. Offering 9,600 square metres of custom-designed soundstages built to international technical standards, the facility is positioned to become one of the Middle East’s most advanced studio complexes.
With film and TV production capacity increasingly strained in North America and Europe, Shams Studios seeks to offer an alternative for global content creators—particularly from the UK, US and India—by providing large-format stages, competitive production advantages and access to a region positioned at the crossroads of major international markets.
When operational, the complex will feature five premium soundstages with a combined indoor space of 9,600 square metres. The stages consist of:
- Three soundstages of 1,500 square metres
- One stage of 2,000 square metres
- A flagship stage of 3,100 square metres
Each soundstage has been designed to uphold international best practices in acoustics, engineering and electrics, supporting a wide spectrum of production formats, including:
- High-budget streaming and television dramas
- Global feature film productions
- Major entertainment formats and variety shows
- Multi-stage productions
- Hybrid physical and virtual production methodologies
Shams Studios will operate within a regional network of rapidly expanding media hubs that includes Dubai Studio City, Abu Dhabi’s twofour54 and NEOM Media Industries in Saudi Arabia.
Positioned within Sharjah Media City’s wider creative landscape, the new studio complex will also include:
- Plans for a 700-seat venue for premieres, screenings and cultural showcases
- The Creative Oasis, encompassing educational, public and artistic spaces
- Workshops, office suites and post-production facilities
- Training and development labs supporting emerging talent across the region
This ecosystem is designed to sustain the entire creative pipeline, from early project development and filming to final delivery and industry interaction.
Strategically located between multiple markets—Europe, India, Africa and Asia—Shams Studios offers:
- Extensive global connectivity
- A stable and advanced production infrastructure
- Cost-efficient filming opportunities
- Access to varied locations and a diversified talent base
- Time-zone compatibility with production teams in the UK and Europe
The new facility aims to bring in major productions seeking extensive space, strong availability and consistent year-round filming conditions.
H.E. Mr Rashid Abdulla Al Obad, Director General of Sharjah Media City (Shams), said:
“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.”
