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AMMAN — Jordan has firmly established itself as the Middle East’s leading hub for international film production, with more than 200 Hollywood, Arabic and Indian films shot across its diverse landscapes.
Between 2017 and 2023, international productions generated over $500 million for the Jordanian economy, while also fuelling a 20 per cent surge in tourist arrivals, according to a Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) statement.
Jordan’s cinematic appeal has drawn high-profile endorsements from world-renowned filmmakers.
Ridley Scott described Wadi Rum as “a natural wonderland for filmmakers,” having showcased it in The Martian. J.J. Abrams praised the “epic scale” of the Kingdom’s landscapes in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, while Jason Momoa called filming Dune in Jordan “monumental.”
These testimonials highlight the kingdom’s growing role in the global film industry, with iconic backdrops such as Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea featuring in blockbusters including Aladdin, Transformers, Star Wars and both parts of Dune.
Jordan’s landscapes have also doubled for regional countries such as Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia — and even for other worlds, including Mars.
According to JTB Managing Director Abdelrazzak Arabiyat, the impact on tourism has been transformative.
“Since The Martian was filmed in Wadi Rum, visitor numbers have multiplied. The site is now globally recognised as both ‘The Valley of the Moon’ and ‘The Real Mars on Earth.’ Every production leaves a legacy that draws fans and adventurers alike, creating sustainable opportunities for local communities,” he said.
Jordan’s competitive film incentive scheme has further enhanced its global appeal. The Royal Film Commission – Jordan (RFC) offers rebates of up to 45 per cent on eligible expenses, delivered within just five months — among the fastest in the industry.
Productions spending $250,000 to $1 million qualify for a 25 per cent rebate, rising to 30 per cent for budgets up to $10 million, and 35 per cent for major productions above that threshold. An additional 10 per cent is available for projects with cultural elements.
“These incentives, combined with tax and customs exemptions of up to 56 per cent, make Jordan not only visually compelling but also financially competitive,” said Mohannad Bakri, RFC Managing Director. “We provide a streamlined system for everything from feature films and TV series to documentaries, commercials and music videos.”
Jordan offers practical advantages as well as financial ones. With over 310 days of sunshine annually, a stable political environment, English-speaking crews and advanced infrastructure, filmmakers can move from Petra’s rose-red ruins to Wadi Rum’s Martian desert in less than two hours.
State-of-the-art facilities such as Olivewood Studios complement natural locations with cutting-edge production services.
As the Kingdom signs more co-production treaties and invests in infrastructure, it is cementing its position as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for global film production — a place where cinematic vision meets economic opportunity.
