Fresh efforts are underway to bring Bollywood film studios to Bahrain, reviving a decade-old vision of transforming the kingdom into a regional hub for international filmmaking and entertainment production.
The ambitious proposal, first championed 10 years ago, is regaining momentum as Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif continues discussions with the Indian Embassy, the Sustainable Development Ministry and the Economic Development Board (EDB).
The long-term vision goes beyond conventional film studios – with councillors pushing for a dedicated ‘Bollywood City’ capable of hosting Hollywood, Bollywood and regional productions while boosting tourism, investment and the kingdom’s creative industries.
Mr Abdullatif said Bahrain was ideally positioned to become the Gulf’s next major filmmaking hub.
Mr Abdullatif
“The vision has never disappeared,” he told the GDN.
“Over the past decade we have continued engaging with our partners because we firmly believe Bahrain has all the ingredients needed to attract major international productions.
“Our strategic location, modern infrastructure, excellent transport links and diverse landscapes make Bahrain an attractive destination for filmmakers. A dedicated studio complex would elevate the kingdom to a completely new level.”
He said the project would create opportunities extending well beyond the film industry.
“A Bollywood City would generate jobs, attract tourists, stimulate hotels, restaurants, transport companies and small businesses, while placing Bahrain firmly on the global entertainment map,” he added.
Former Southern Municipal councillor and now MP Najeeb Al Kuwari, who originally proposed the idea a decade ago, welcomed the renewed momentum.
Mr Al Kuwari
“When I first presented this proposal, many people thought it was too ambitious,” he said.
“Today, the global film industry is expanding rapidly, and countries are competing to attract productions because they understand the enormous economic benefits that follow.”
Mr Al Kuwari said Bahrain had already demonstrated its ability to host international productions, making a permanent studio complex the natural next step.
“We have seen growing interest from international filmmakers using Bahrain as a filming location,” he said.
“The establishment of world-class studios would allow productions to remain in Bahrain throughout the year instead of simply filming selected scenes before moving elsewhere.”
He pointed to Bahrain’s growing international profile as a filming destination, with scenes for major productions – including Marvel Studios’ The Avengers – having been filmed in the kingdom, alongside a number of international movies, television productions, documentaries and regional projects.
“Every successful production filmed in Bahrain proves what we have been saying for years,” Mr Al Kuwari added. “The kingdom has the infrastructure, accessibility and unique locations to compete internationally. What we now need is a permanent studio ecosystem that enables producers to complete entire projects here.”
The proposed development envisions state-of-the-art sound stages, outdoor filming locations, post-production facilities, production support services, accommodation, entertainment attractions and visitor experiences celebrating the magic of cinema.
Supporters believe the project would complement Bahrain’s strategy of diversifying its economy by strengthening tourism, media, culture and the creative industries while attracting international investment and nurturing local talent.
Mr Abdullatif said collaboration with India’s globally renowned film industry could unlock enormous opportunities.
“Bollywood reaches billions of viewers around the world,” he said.
“Every film produced in Bahrain would become an international showcase for our country, encouraging tourism, investment and cultural exchange. We want Bahrain to become the preferred destination for filmmakers from India, Hollywood and across the Middle East.”
He added that the proposed complex could also host film festivals, training academies, production companies and entertainment attractions, creating a year-round destination rather than simply a collection of studios.
While a final timeline has yet to be announced, advocates believe renewed talks with government agencies, the embassy, the ministry and the EDB have brought the long-standing proposal closer than ever to reality.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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