Shams Studios has been introduced as a new platform for international filmmakers, offering advanced soundstages and specialist production amenities designed to support large-scale global content projects.
Sharjah Media City (Shams) has formally opened Shams Studios, a landmark production centre created to position Sharjah as a serious contender in the worldwide film, TV, and streaming industries. The development encompasses 9,600 square metres of purpose-built stages featuring leading technical standards. It is set to become one of the region’s most substantial and sophisticated studio infrastructures.
With North America and Europe continuing to face shortages in studio space, Shams Studios seeks to attract producers from the UK, US, India, and beyond by offering expansive stages, competitive production conditions, and access to strategically vital markets. As pressure on Western facilities persists, the new complex aims to provide a practical alternative for international projects seeking high availability and cost-efficient operations.
The studio’s initial phase includes five bespoke soundstages totalling 9,600 square metres. These consist of three 1,500-square-metre stages, one 2,000-square-metre stage, and a flagship soundstage covering 3,100 square metres.
Every stage is engineered in accordance with global acoustic, structural, and electrical benchmarks, ensuring suitability for a broad spectrum of productions. These range from major television and streaming series to feature films, entertainment franchises, multi-set studios, and hybrid virtual production models.
Situated within the region’s expanding media landscape, Shams Studios stands alongside established hubs such as Dubai Studio City, Abu Dhabi’s twofour54, and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Media Industries.
As part of the wider creative ecosystem at Sharjah Media City, the studios will also feature complementary facilities. These include a planned 700-seat theatre for premieres and screenings, the Creative Oasis district designed for public and educational engagement, and extensive production infrastructure such as workshops, offices, post-production suites, and training labs for emerging talent.
This cohesive set-up is intended to support every stage of the creative process, from concept development and filming through to exhibition and industry collaboration.
Its location between Europe, India, Africa, and Asia provides international producers with a range of logistical advantages, including strong global links, reliable infrastructure, cost-efficient filming conditions, varied shooting locations, multicultural expertise, and time-zone compatibility with the UK and wider Europe.
Shams Studios aims to welcome large-scale productions looking for availability, capacity, and year-round filming opportunities.
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.”
About Sharjah Media City (Shams)
Sharjah Media City (Shams) is a thriving free zone in the Emirate of Sharjah, dedicated to empowering media, content creation, production, and the creative industries. Shams provides state-of-the-art infrastructure, business services, training platforms, and a dynamic ecosystem for entrepreneurs, filmmakers, and creative professionals.
